WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Chris Van Hollen (both D-Md.) today announced $1.1 million in federal funding for the YouthBuild program at Civic Works, Inc. of Baltimore through the U.S. Department of Labor. With these funds, Civic Works will collaborate with Park Heights Renaissance to create summer employment for local youths. Of the 62 participants enrolled in the program, 50 will be trained in construction and 12 will be trained in their proposed Construction Plus Healthcare program. Upon graduation from the program, YouthBuild participants, who will be co-enrolled in AmeriCorps, will receive an education award that can be used for college or trade school.
“Civic Works has been on the front lines in Baltimore for more than 20 years, helping our at-risk youth receive the education and job training they both need and deserve,” said Senator Cardin, a member of the Senate Finance Committee. “Thanks to its efforts, countless young people have earned their high school diplomas and occupational certifications, ensuring that they have been able to attain secure jobs and full, independent lives. Nothing could be more important. I congratulate Executive Director Dana Stein and his whole team at Civic Works for truly outstanding leadership. I’m proud to be a federal partner in their efforts and will keep fighting hard for the YouthBuild program in the years ahead.”
“Education and job training are key steps on the path to opportunity. This investment will allow Civic Works to continue providing valuable experience to young men and women — driving positive growth in the community and our economy,” said Senator Van Hollen, a member of the Budget and Appropriations Committees. “I was proud to support this program, and I appreciate all that Civic Works and Director Stein have done for Baltimore. I will continue fighting for investments that brighten the futures of our young people.”
YouthBuild is an education and training program that helps at-risk youth complete high school or state equivalency degree programs, earn industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations, and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities. Baltimore’s Civic Works is one of 200 YouthBuild programs supported in 46 states. Both Senators Cardin and Van Hollen urged increased funding for the YouthBuild program throughout the FY19 appropriations process, writing that “our nation’s ability to reconnect unemployed and undereducated young adults is essential to our economic success.”
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