The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the allocation of $46.5 million in grants to assist young individuals in communities affected by violence and poverty. The initiative aims to address structural barriers preventing youth from accessing employment and realizing their potential.
The funds, administered by the Employment and Training Administration, are part of the Growth Opportunities program. This program targets communities plagued by violence, offering support to local organizations that provide jobs, training, and other services like leadership development, mentoring, and conflict resolution.
Statistics indicate that adolescents exposed to firearm violence are twice as likely to commit a violent act within two years. To counter this trend, Growth Opportunities grants are designed to equip underserved youth with essential skills for future success.
The grants are authorized under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act through the Reentry Employment Opportunities program. On July 31, 2024, funding was made available for the fifth round of Growth Opportunities grants as part of this initiative.
The following organizations received Growth Opportunities grants:
- Fresno Area Workforce Investment Corp., Fresno, CA: $2,000,000
- National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, Washington, DC: $5,100,000
- Goodwill Industries of Kentucky Inc., Louisville, KY: $1,936,736
- International Youth Foundation, Baltimore, MD: $5,100,000
- Jobs for the Future, Boston, MA: $5,100,000
- Peckham Vocational Industries Inc., Lansing MI: $2,000,000
- Access Connections to Success Southaven MS: $1 ,999 ,333
- CPLC Nevada Inc., Las Vegas NV :$2 ,000 ,000
- STRIVE International Inc., New York NY :$5 ,060 ,000
- It's My Community Initiative Inc., Oklahoma City OK :$2 ,000 ,000
- OIC of America Inc., Philadelphia PA :$5 ,098 ,657
- Knoxville Leadership Foundation Knoxville TN :$2 ,000 ,000
- Midwest Urban Strategies Inc Elm Grove WI :$5 ,100 ,000
- Employ Milwaukee Inc Milwaukee WI :$2 ,000 ,000
In total these allocations amount to approximately $46 .49 million dollars .
