Department of Labor announces availability of $40M in grants to out-of-school time organizations to improve access to good jobs for underserved youth

WASHINGTON – The Department of Labor today announced up to $40 million in grants available for national out-of-school time organizations to expand local work-based learning opportunities, job training and career pathways for underserved youth during non-school hours.

The Workforce Pathways for Youth demonstration grants will help these organizations partner with state or locally operated affiliate organizations that serve historically marginalized and underserved youth, ages 14 to 21. Priority will be given to organizations serving Native American youth. 

Through the partnerships, out-of-school time organizations will introduce youth to career-related services, provide work-based learning experiences and occupational skills training. They will also offer unsubsidized employment placements to increase opportunities to gain the skills youth need to be successful in post-secondary education and employment. The program also encourages partners across the workforce system to provide supportive services to address the mental health needs of participating youth. The youth workforce system plays a critical role in supporting the mental health of participants through assessments, comprehensive guidance and counseling, including referrals to partner organizations. 

The department’s Employment and Training Administration will award the fourth and fifth rounds of these grants. Through funding authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the Workforce Pathways for Youth grants will be awarded through two competitive rounds with $20 million immediately available for the fourth round. The remaining $20 million for the fifth round of funding is pending availability of fiscal year 2025 appropriations. 

These grants align with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to creating opportunities to connect people to good jobs, while supporting the department’s Youth Employment Works Strategy to expand access to programs that prepare all people for good careers. 

Learn more about Workforce Pathways for Youth program and read about previous grant recipients. 

View the Workforce Pathways for Youth grant opportunity and apply.