US Department of Labor awards nearly $47M in grants to provide jobs, training, supportive services in communities affected by violence, poverty

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of nearly $47 million in grants to 14 organizations to help overcome structural barriers and improve access to employment opportunities. This investment will also support communities addressing the violence, crime and poverty that limits educational and employment opportunities for people aged 15 to 24 and prevents them from reaching their potential.

The fourth round of Growth Opportunities funding will support programs that provide jobs, skills training and supportive services, including leadership development and mentoring to prepare justice-involved youth and young people to succeed in the labor market. These grants are part of the Reentry Employment Opportunities program and will also support training to improve participants’ conflict resolution skills. 

Authorized through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, Growth Opportunities grants aim to provide access to the resources people from underserved communities need to develop foundational skills and opportunities to equip them for success. Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the grants support training and mentorship to youth and young people who are affected by community violence.

The department awarded Growth Opportunities grants to the following recipients: