US Labor Department announces availability of funding to provide job, leadership skills to disadvantaged youth

WASHINGTON – For many of our nation’s at-risk youth, getting educated and starting a successful career are goals often out of reach. Across the U.S., YouthBuild programs seek to help these young people reach their full potential by providing critical job skills in construction to help propel them towards professional success.

Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of grant funding to support and expand YouthBuild programs nationwide. For those programs that offer the “YouthBuild Construction Plus” model, participating youth can take advantage of expanded occupational skills training in additional in-demand occupations, such as health care, information technology or logistics.

Grants awarded through this funding opportunity will range from $700,000 to $1.1 million each to provide education and employment services to  disadvantaged youth in communities across the country.

This year’s funding availability, while maintaining the strong YouthBuild model, incorporates some changes to the program, including:

• Inclusion of evaluation criteria related to the submission of complete and accurate work site submissions and employer engagement strategies.
• Removal of program calendar and organizational chart requirements.
• Encouraged viewing of a prospective applicant pre-recorded webinar.

YouthBuild is a non-residential, community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training in construction and other in-demand occupations to at-risk youth and young adults from ages 16 to 24. Participants learn valuable skills as they build or rehabilitate housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities.

For additional information on grant eligibility and how to apply for funds, visit http://www.grants.gov.