WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced awards totaling $20 million to 16 organizations offering career training, alternative education and apprenticeships to youth and young adults who either have been adjudicated by or are at risk of facing the justice system.

“These $20 million in grants will provide troubled youth with educational opportunities, apprenticeships and skills training so that they can turn their lives around and become productive citizens in their communities,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

Award-winning projects fall into three categories: apprenticeship opportunities, alternative education and existing projects that competed successfully to expand their operations. A total of nearly $3.8 million is being provided to four organizations involved in apprenticeship. Six alternative education initiatives are receiving more than $5.6 million.  Six existing programs will use almost $10.6 million to expand their successful projects.

Under this competition, 109 organizations vied for funding.

“Learning career skills and taking advantage of work opportunities will be crucial to young people looking to make wise choices at a key crossroads in their lives,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “The programs funded today offer meaningful opportunities for taking productive steps toward lifelong employment.”

Apprenticeship opportunities will prepare young adult offenders for in-demand careers in fields such as construction, welding, masonry and advanced manufacturing. Programs geared toward alternative education will create or enhance schools to help young offenders earn diplomas and continue on to postsecondary education or jobs.  Expansion projects that have demonstrated success with juvenile offenders will be empowered to open two additional sites.

For more information on ETA’s Youthful Offender Grants and other youth employment programs, please visit www.doleta.gov/youth_services.