Larson Announces Co-Opportunity to Receive Federal Funding for Education and Job Training for Local Youth
For ImmediateRelease
June 18, 2009
Contact: PaulMounds 860-278-8888
Larson Announces Co-Opportunity to ReceiveFederal Funding for Education and Job Training for Local Youth
YouthBuild program helps young people andcommunities nationwide
Hartford, CT - U.S. CongressmanJohn B. Larson (CT-01), Chairman of the Democratic Caucus, has announced thatSecretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis awarded a federal grant to a Hartfordnon-profit organization in support of their education and job training programfor young adults. Co-Opportunity was awarded a $687,500 grant from the U.S.Department of Labor for the Hartford YouthBuild program.
The YouthBuild program provides young adults, aged 16-24, from low income backgroundsthe ability to work toward their high school diploma or GED while learningcritical job skills by building affordable housing for the homeless andunderprivileged. Participants spend 6-24 months in the full-time program,dividing their time between classroom studies and learning skills in construction.
Inaddition to receiving academic and occupational skills training, participantsin the program develop leadership skills and take part in community serviceopportunities in the Greater Hartford area. Members of the YouthBuild programinclude individuals who have entered the juvenile justice system, aged out offoster care, and dropped out of high school.
"Iam proud to announce Co-Opportunity will receive funding to continue theirsuccessful YouthBuild program. Youthbuild assists our young adults achieveeducational and vocational skills, while showing them the importance ofcommunity service," said Congressman Larson, who wrote a formal letter ofsupport for Co-Opportunity's grant application to Secretary Solis.
"Overthe past 12 years, nearly 400 young men and women have been part ofCo-opportunity's YouthBuild Hartford. We're excited that the grant beingannounced today gives us the opportunity to continue these important educationand training services for Hartford youth", said Donna Taglianetti, ExecutiveDirector of Co-Opportunity.
Since itsinception, YouthBuild Hartford has been one of the most accomplished andsuccessful YouthBuild programs in the country. More than 90 homes have beenbuilt by program members, and 87% of the graduates have secured jobs or pursuedhigher education within three month of graduating from the program.
CongressmanLarson stated, "Co-Opportunity is empowering our young adults to becomeresponsible community citizens. YouthBuild Hartford, with Co-Opportunity'sleadership, will continue to serve as one of our nation's preeminent educationand leadership development programs for troubled and disadvantaged youth."
In all,Secretary Solis awarded approximately $114 million in funding to 183 communitygroups for YouthBuild programs nationwide. For more information on YouthBuildHartford, please visit https://www.co-opportunity.org/youthbuild.htm.
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