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ETA News Release: [08/04/2004]
Contact Name: Lorette
Post
Phone Number: (202) 693-3984
U.S. Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao Announces $3.1
Million Grant for At-Risk Native American Youth
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao
today announced a $3.1 million grant to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate (SWO) Tribe
to provide employment and training services to Native Americans who are at risk
of becoming involved with the criminal justice system or are ex-offenders.
"This $3.1 million grant to the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe will help
these young Native Americans get the training they need for good-paying jobs,"
said Labor Secretary Elaine L. Chao. "This grant will provide tools and
mentoring so these young people can transition into stable employment and
develop valuable career skills. Some of the programs they can access through
the grant include adult basic education and GED training, occupational skills
training in the construction trades, alternative sentencing, community service,
tutoring, intensive case management and after-care services."
The grant will serve 400 tribal youth ages 14 to 24 through the SWO
Youth Corps, a program modeled on "YouthBuild." This innovative project enables
unemployed young people to build affordable housing for homeless and low-income
families while earning a GED or high school diploma. Participants also are
prepared for jobs or college-level study.
Extensive support services will be provided through SWO's Youth Corps.
These include substance abuse and mental health treatment, transitional housing
assistance and cultural-based interventions. A partnership with the SWO Tribal
College will provide education and training for youth on the Sioux Reservation.
"This tribal organization is in the best position to reach the youngest
sector of this population who might not otherwise be served," said Assistant
Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "Using the
tribe's rich cultural resources, along with those available through local
employment and training agencies, SWO plans to reduce recidivism and provide
the training and other assistance needed to move young Native Americans into
good jobs with career ladders."
Today's grant is part of the $54.6 million Department of Labor
Youth Offender Demonstration Project. The grants are presented to
faith-based and community organizations that can best reach youth who are
currently involved with the court system or at risk of involvement. The goal of
the grants is to connect this segment of the community with job training
programs and employment opportunities.
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