US Department of Labor awards nearly $50 million to provide training and employment services to formerly incarcerated juveniles and young adults

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded nearly $50 million in two types of grants to 25 community-based organizations that will provide job training, education and support services to youth and young adults returning from the juvenile justice system.

"These young people deserve a chance to turn their lives around," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "The federal grants announced today will help vulnerable youth receive the training and support they need to gain valuable job skills and improve their long-term employment prospects."

Four grants totaling approximately $19.5 million will serve formerly incarcerated youth, ages 14 and above, in high-poverty, high-crime communities who have been involved with the juvenile justice system within the past 12 months and never have been involved in the adult criminal system. Grantees will provide education and training leading to high school diplomas and/or industry-recognized credentials for the individuals served with an emphasis on in-demand industries and occupations available within their local communities. Additionally, grantees will be required to competitively select local subgrantees to operate the program in a minimum of five high-poverty, high-crime communities across at least two states.

The remaining 21 grants total nearly $30 million and will serve individuals ages 18-21 who were involved in the juvenile justice system from the age of 14 or older but were never convicted as adults under federal or state law. Through training projects, service learning opportunities and educational interventions, participants will earn high school diplomas and industry-recognized credentials.

All grants provide for up to four months of planning and a minimum of 26 months of operation. The Labor Department awarded the grants through a competitive process, open to national and regional intermediaries with experience conducting multisite projects and serving young adult offenders.

For more information on Department of Labor training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov/RExO/aboutRExO.cfm.

Editor's note: A list of the grantees, their locations and award amounts follows this news release.

Grants serving formerly incarcerated juveniles in high-poverty, high-crime communities

Grants serving formerly incarcerated juveniles and young adults through training and service learning