Monday, Congresswoman Martha Roby, R-Montgomery, announced that the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a grant to the Eufaula Housing Authority to expand the Barbour County YouthBuild program.
“The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced that the Eufaula Housing Authority was awarded $1.5 million to support and expand Barbour County’s YouthBuild program,” Roby wrote in an email to constituents. “YouthBuild is a youth development program that serves out-of-school youth by providing them with the opportunity, hope, and support to rebuild their lives while equipping them with the necessary skills to facilitate success in both the workforce and their communities.”
“I’ve seen firsthand the difference this program makes for our youth, and I’m excited to see the growth that will come as a result,” Roby said.
On Monday, December 16 the U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of 67 grants totaling up to $85 million to support and expand YouthBuild programs across the country. YouthBuild provides at-risk youth from ages 16 to 24, with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries.
“Job training and education are key to preparing our nation’s young men and women for economic success,” U.S. Labor Secretary Eugene Scalia said. “By investing in these local workforce development programs, the Department is expanding opportunities for at-risk youth in communities across the country.”
“Youthbuild programs have the ability to change the lives of thousands of American students,” said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training John Pallasch. “Today’s announcement will provide new opportunities for young people across the country to take the first step toward good-paying careers.”
The Department has administered the YouthBuild program since 2006. Program participants learn construction skills while constructing or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods, as well as other occupational skills for in-demand industries that also require real-world work experience components. Young people split their time between the occupational skills training site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree and prepare for postsecondary opportunities.
The individual awards ranged from $740,737 to $1.5 million each.
Alabama has many opportunities for skilled tradesmen in the construction sector.
Congresswoman Martha Roby represents the Second Congressional District. She is in her term in Congress, but is not seeking reelection.
