|
|
|
|
|
|
April 19, 2004
Youthbuild program receives federal grant to fund spring class
The King County Work Training Program has received a $700,000 grant from the federal Department of Housing and
Urban Development (HUD) to support a spring class for the Youthbuild program, an education assistance and practical work training
project targeted to high-risk youth in King County. The grant will enable 40 youth to enroll in the next session of the program beginning in May.
Youthbuild is designed to support youth and young adults who have dropped out of high school or
who are a high risk of dropping out by helping them to achieve high school graduation or earn a GED certificate while also learning the construction
trades in actual, on-the-job training and work experience. Youthbuild participants put their construction training to use in the
building or rehabilitation of homes for low-income seniors, families and special needs individuals in partnership with Habitat for Humanity
of Seattle/South King County.
“The Youthbuild program is committed to building our communities and rebuilding young lives,” said Executive Sims.
“The young people in the program have made a commitment to complete their education and learn a valuable trade while
at the same time giving something back to their community by assisting with the building and renovation of low-income and
special needs housing. “We are grateful to HUD for their support of this important program.”
Youthbuild provides assistance for youth ages 16-24 years of age. Many have struggled with homelessness,
poverty, substance abuse and involvement with the criminal justice system. Enrollees receive educational assistance (GED
preparation, computer skills, math/reading/writing assistance, etc.) and on-the-job training. Youthbuild and the
Work Training Program are part of the King County Department of Community and Human Services.
Over 250 youth have participated in the program since it began in 1994. During that time, 20 low-income housing
units have been constructed in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Seattle/South King County. In the 2003 class, all of the
youth enrolled in Youthbuild had dropped out of school, 72 percent had been involved in the criminal justice system, and
86 percent were people of color. By the end of the program, over 73 percent had achieved their GED, 70 percent moved into
employment, and 36 percent graduated to post secondary/higher education.
For more information on the King County Youthbuild Program or other youth programs call George Dignan, administrator
of the King County Work Training Program, at 206-205-6505.
Updated: April 19, 2004
Executive's news Executive's site map | E-mail the Executive By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details. |
|