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ODEP News Release: [06/16/2003]
Contact Name: Bob Zachariasiewiecz
Phone Number: (202) 693-4686

Department of Labor Announces Grant Solicitations Totaling $3.4 million for Transitioning and Mentoring Youth with Disabilities

WASHINGTON—Two solicitations to help mentor and successfully transition youth with disabilities to work were published in the June 16, 2003 Federal Register by the Office of Disability Employment Policy (ODEP), Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao announced today.

ODEP is making available $3 million to award up to 6 competitive grants in the amount of approximately $500,000,with several main goals: 1) assisting states in assessing youth services; 2) connecting schools and other youth-serving institutions with workplaces and other resources; and, 3) creating a forum for building a system that better meets the transition needs of youth with disabilities and all stakeholders.

Another $450,000 will be available to fund three competitive grants up to $150,000, to organizations that will facilitate delivery of mentoring activities through faith-based and community organizations to promote positive employment and transition outcomes for youth with disabilities. These latter grants are made by ODEP in collaboration with the Department’s Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives.

Secretary Chao said, “Increasing employment opportunities for young people with disabilities is an integral part of the employment-related objectives of President Bush’s New Freedom Initiative and our nation’s workforce and economy will be enriched by their participation.”

ODEP’s Assistant Secretary of Labor, Roy Grizzard, whose agency administers the grants, added “These grants will help promote positive employment outcomes for youth with disabilities through effective transition and mentoring programs.”

Applications and eligibility information for each grant is available in the Federal Register notice, which can also be accessed through www.dol.gov/odep.

ODEP is the nation’s first Assistant Secretary-led office that specifically addresses policies that impact employment of people with disabilities. It acts as a catalyst to stimulate new ideas about employment through research and development, policy analysis, grant awards, technical assistance, and the promotion of effective business practices.

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