U.S. Rep. Castor announced a $1.1 million U.S. Department of Labor grant for CareerSource Pinellas’ YouthBuild, which gives youth seeking a second chance in life a bright and hopeful future by giving them the education and job training they need to turn their lives around.

“YouthBuild’s mission aligns closely with that of President Obama’s My Brother’s Keeper initiative, which aims to address persistent opportunity gaps facing boys and young men of color, and ensure that all young people can reach their full potential,” U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor. “YouthBuild closely shepherds at-risk kids and helps ensure that our youth – no matter the zip they are from – have a shot, and in some cases a second shot, to get on the ladder of success.”

YouthBuild is community-based alternative education that provides instruction and occupational training in construction and other fields. It serves people 16 to 24 years old who have dropped out of high school and been in the criminal justice system, are aging out of foster care or have dropped out of school and then gone back.

Last year, the Tampa Housing Authority received a $1 million grant for its YouthBuild, where some of its most recent participants have put their prison time behind them to get on track with full-time construction jobs or post-secondary school for careers such as fire safety or legal.

“Over the years, YouthBuild has made a significant impact on so many youth across Tampa Bay and I am pleased YouthBuild will remain an important education and job training resource for students and families who need it the most,” added U.S. Rep. Castor. 

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