News

The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board is happy to announce it has been awarded a 1.1 million dollar YouthBuild Grant by the U.S. Department of Labor. YouthBuild is an education and training program with a strong pre-apprenticeship component that helps at-risk youth complete high school or state equivalency degree programs, earn industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families. For our local unemployed, out-of- school young people, YouthBuild is an opportunity for them to reclaim their education, gain the skills they need for employment and to become leaders in the community.

The U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild program has a network of more than 200 urban and rural YouthBuild programs in 46 states. The Northwest Regional Workforce Investment Board has partnered with Habitat of Humanity of Greater Waterbury, Waterbury Police Activity League and Waterbury Adult Continuing Education to implement this initiative. Youth will learn vocational skills in construction while also providing community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. Youth will split their time between the vocational training worksite and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency degree, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for postsecondary training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employment. YouthBuild includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement.

Those interested in learning more about this opportunity are asked to call Gary Madison at 203-574-6971 ext. 442.