Friday March 29, 2024
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Mayor Fischer and Governor Beshear Join Congressman Yarmuth To Announce Federal Grant to YouthBuild Louisville

Gov. Andy Beshear and Mayor Greg Fischer joined U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth today in announcing that YouthBuild Louisville is receiving a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand its services in the Louisville Community.

YouthBuild provides at-risk youth, ages 16-24, with education and occupational skill development to obtain employment in construction and other in-demand industries. In all, the Labor Department awarded 67 grants totaling up to $85 million to support and expand YouthBuild programs across the country.

“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.”

Lynn Rippy, president and CEO for YouthBuild Louisville, said the money will support ongoing programming and allow the agency to assist 10 additional youths a year.

“All young people need support to successfully reach adulthood,” Rippy said. “YouthBuild offers our previously challenged young adults a chance to grow with the love, skill building and future-creating opportunities that we afford our own children. We are so grateful to be able to expand our work together with some of Louisville’s most resilient young adult leaders.”

“This federal funding is well-earned and highlights YouthBuild Louisville’s success in making our city home to one of the best youth education and workforce development programs in the nation,” said Congressman Yarmuth, who is chairman of the House Budget Committee. “The dedicated young people who participate in this program are working to embrace their full potential while also contributing to the community around them. I’m so proud of the work Lynn Rippy and her team have done to empower our local youth and make YouthBuild Louisville such a nationally recognized success story.”

“This funding will provide more young people in Kentucky an opportunity to learn valuable skills, provide for their families and succeed,” said Gov. Andy Beshear. “Everyone matters in Kentucky, and this grant will create a pathway for more young people in the Commonwealth to thrive.”

“This grant means more young people can come through the doors here at YouthBuild and develop skills that will make them an asset to companies that are thriving in our growing city,” said Mayor Fischer. “I’m so proud of programs like this that create concrete opportunities for kids who struggle, opening doors to a brighter future.”

“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.

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