US Department of Labor awards $12.3M in funding to support job exploration, training options for young people

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $12.3 million in grants to five national out-of-school time organizations to expand local work readiness programs. The second round of Workforce Pathways for Youth grants will support programs that provide jobs skills and training, and offer work experiences for young people from age 14 to 21.  

Out-of-school time organizations operate supervised programs for young people when school is not in session.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, these grants will allow out-of-school time organizations to connect with local and state workforce boards, organizations and education partners to expose young people to career possibilities and provide education, training, supportive services and work experience to better prepare young adults for careers.

These grants build on the department’s commitment and vision for youth employment where young people have access to aligned career pathways across all sectors and seamless supportive services through the workforce system. They will prioritize organizations that serve underserved and underrepresented young people, especially young people of color, youth experiencing housing instability and those who live in rural communities.

A list of the Workforce Pathways for Youth grant recipients follows this release.