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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: (202) 219-6871
Communities with high poverty rates are eligible to apply
for $9 million in grants from the U. S. Department of Labor for new youth
programs.
In announcing the program, Secretary of Labor Robert B.
Reich said, "Problems involving youth, particularly in areas with high crime
and poverty rates, are at epidemic proportion. We must reverse the tidal wave
of drugs, violence and crime overtaking our young people and replace it with
opportunities for social and economic success. This program is a step in that
direction."
The grant begins the demonstration of a new $250 million
initiative for out-of-school youth proposed in the President's 1997 budget. The
aim of the project is to raise employment rates for youth to 80 percent in
communities selected for funding.
Roughly 50 percent of out-of-school youth without a high
school diploma are unemployed. Many are at risk of becoming permanently lost to
the workforce. The problem is particularly acute for youth growing up in public
housing projects and inner-city neighborhoods.
The Department of Labor will select a small number of sites
to serve as demonstrations for a comprehensive approach aimed at improving
labor market prospects for out-of-school youth in high poverty areas. Selected
sites will be expected to match federal funding with state and local
contributions.
Under this demonstration, 72 hard-hit areas specifically
designated by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) may apply
for funding from the Labor Department.
It is expected that three to five communities will be
selected and designated as Opportunity Areas. Their goal will be to expand
employment, education and training opportunities for participants between the
ages of 16 and 24, particularly high school dropouts. Special emphasis will be
placed on matching federal funds with education resources and private-sector
job commitments.
As some of the target residents live in public housing,
the demonstration project will also complement HUD efforts to address the
isolation of public housing residents.
Possible interventions include education and training
programs, public and private summer youth activities, full-time private sector
employment, mentoring and college-bound programs.
Services for the project participants will be provided by a
number of public and private organizations, such as schools, community
colleges, community-based organizations, private sector employers, and
judiciary systems.
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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