U.S. Department of Labor Announces YouthBuild Funding Opportunity

WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $85 million in grants to support and expand YouthBuild programs across the country. YouthBuild, a pre-apprenticeship model, provides at-risk youth ages 16-24 with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries.

Since 2006, the U.S. Department of Labor has administered the YouthBuild program. Youth learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. Young people split their time between the construction site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.

Distributing $85 million in grant funding, the Department anticipates awarding grants that will range from $700,000 to $1.1 million each across the country. The Department is also encouraging organizations to expand their skills development to other high-growth occupations including health care, information technology, and logistics.

For additional information on the Department of Labor’s YouthBuild program, visit https://www.doleta.gov/Youth_services/YouthBuild.cfm.

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