The funds will allow YouthBuild USA to serve more than 300 programs across the country
In a strong testament to the global nonprofit’s longstanding success in transforming lives and communities, YouthBuild USA has been awarded a $23 million contract from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). This new contract marks the twenty-seventh year YouthBuild USA has served as the federal technical assistance provider to local YouthBuild programs.
Technical assistance provided by YouthBuild USA benefits more than 300 local YouthBuild DOL grantee programs as they support the successful implementation of the YouthBuild model.
In YouthBuild programs, opportunity youth – young adults between the ages of 16 and 24 who are neither in school nor employed – pursue their education, prepare for future careers and grow into community leaders, building brighter futures for themselves and their neighborhoods. In addition to construction skills training, YouthBuild DOL grantee programs are encouraged to develop occupational skills training in other high-demand industries, resulting in the Construction Plus model. This Construction Plus model supports opportunity youth by helping them attain industry-recognized certifications, gain hands-on work experience, and enter directly into apprenticeships or direct hiring in these industries. Since Construction Plus began in 2012, YouthBuild grantees have used DOL funds to provide training in diverse industries and occupations including healthcare, information technology, hospitality and retail services.
“Our longstanding relationship with the Department of Labor is one that helps cultivate strong, responsible, equitable and inclusive young leaders across the country while preparing them for professional success,” said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild USA. “As the nonprofit support center and technical assistance provider for hundreds of incredible local programs, we see diverse communities with different needs. Our work is always driven by our YouthBuild family on the ground. We are proud to champion opportunity youth across the country as they work to transform their lives and communities.”
With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood and leadership. Responding to the urgent need for knowledge, training and opportunity, YouthBuild primarily serves young people who lack a high school diploma and financial resources.
YouthBuild USA is the nonprofit support center for a global network of 290 local YouthBuild programs in 18 countries, with 233 programs in 46 U.S. states and territories and 57 programs in 17 other countries.
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