ICYMI: U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor announces $1.46 million grant to support job training and youth employment services

TAMPA, FL – Today, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor (FL-14) announced a $1,456,798 federal grant awarded to the Corporation to Development Communities (CDC) of Tampa, Inc. through the YouthBuild grant initiative from the United States Department of Labor. The new funding will support job training and employment services to expand access to learning opportunities, prepare young workers for quality jobs, and strengthen the nation’s workforce to meet the needs of the industry.

Photos and a recording of today’s press conference are available here.

“I am grateful for the work of the Tampa CDC to prepare and connect our young neighbors to good-paying jobs in growing industries, like construction,” said Rep. Castor. “This new DOL grant will help expand economic opportunities for youth in the Tampa Bay area while increasing the region’s skilled workforce and supporting the local economy.”

“As our economy continues to grow, develop and innovate, it is important that we create pathways to employment for underrepresented youth in high-demand occupations. » said Ernest M. Coney Jr., MPH, President and CEO, CDC of Tampa, Inc. “This significant funding will help the Tampa CDC increase job opportunities, increase entrepreneurship opportunities and increase homeownership rates, helping to lift all of our communities.”

The YouthBuild grants range from $700,000 to $1.5 million each and will support pre-apprenticeships to educate and train young people aged 16 to 24, who are neither enrolled in school nor currently in the job market. work for jobs in construction and other high-demand sectors. YouthBuild grants will help provide education and training to enable participants to build or rehabilitate affordable housing in their communities for people in need. This week’s announcement awarded $98 million in grants to 72 organizations in 30 states and Guam.