The Department of Labor has announced the availability of up to $40 million in grants for national out-of-school time organizations. The aim is 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 assist these organizations in partnering with state or locally operated affiliate organizations. These affiliates serve historically marginalized and underserved youth, aged between 14 and 21. Organizations serving Native American youth will be given priority.
Through these partnerships, out-of-school time organizations will introduce youth to career-related services, provide work-based learning experiences, and offer occupational skills training. They will also facilitate unsubsidized employment placements to increase opportunities for young people to gain the skills necessary for success in post-secondary education and employment.
The program also encourages partners across the workforce system to provide supportive services addressing the mental health needs of participating youth. The youth workforce system plays a crucial role in supporting participants' mental health through assessments, comprehensive guidance, counseling, and referrals to partner organizations.
The department’s Employment and Training Administration will award the fourth and fifth rounds of these grants. Funding authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act enables this initiative. 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 is pending availability of fiscal year 2025 appropriations.
These grants align with the Biden-Harris administration’s commitment to creating opportunities that connect people to good jobs. This support echoes the department’s Youth Employment Works Strategy's goal of expanding access to programs that prepare all individuals for rewarding careers.
For more information about the Workforce Pathways for Youth program or details about previous grant recipients, visit their website. You can also view the Workforce Pathways for Youth grant opportunity and apply online.
