Community Teamwork Announces YouthBuild of Greater Lowell Receives Department of Labor Funding
Lowell, MA–More than 130 at-risk youth will have the opportunity to participate in alternative education programs in Lowell while mastering critical job skills thanks to a $1.1 million grant from the US Department of Labor made to Community Teamwork’sYouthBuild of Greater Lowell program to cover a 3-year term.
YouthBuild provides classes that lead to a high school or other state-recognized diploma and industry-recognized certifications in construction and other fields. Leadership development and community service also are key components of YouthBuild. The goal is to help young people complete their education and achieve economic self-sufficiency.It is a community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training to youth ages 16 to 24 who have been in the juvenile justice system, are aging out of foster care, have dropped out of high school, or are otherwise at risk of failing to reach educational and career milestones.
John Cave, Director of YouthBuild of Greater Lowell exclaimed, “We are ecstatic and pleased to receive this resource from the Federal Government. This grant will enhance our staffing, allowing us to hire another construction trainer and case manager, as well as a part-time HiSET instructor. It will also extend our current HiSET Instructor’s hours to a full time position. We will now beable to provide extended tutoring and other needed supports for our students.”
One way this DOL grant augments CTI/YouthBuild programming is that it allows them to be recognized as a Construction-Plus program. A second direct career track will also be expanded. The pilot Culinary Arts program will provide new opportunities for students to be trained in the Culinary Arts. While our initial pilot programing for culinary students has grown, this new funding will give students in the program access to internships and certifications offered by the American Culinary Federation Education Foundation (ACFEF).
“We are pleased to have qualified for Department of Labor funding based on the quality of our programming and the need in our community. I’ve seen firsthand how it provides opportunities for so many young people, giving them a second chance to succeed, find a new sense of self and secure a sustainable job or access to future education,”said Community Teamwork CEO Karen N. Frederick.
Congresswoman Niki Tsongas took to social media,“Wishing a big congratulations to Community Teamwork, Inc. for their successful $1.1 million from the US Department of Labor for YouthBuild grant which will help to empower the Merrimack Valley’s youth with job skills and education in the construction and manufacturing sector.”
“YouthBuild isn’t just about helping individuals; it’s about building a better community,” Tsongas said.
Community Teamwork is a catalyst for social change. Our driving mission is to help people help themselves with child care, family supports, nutrition, fuel assistance, housing, skills training, employment, financial education, and individual asset and small business development. As a Community Action Agency, a Regional Housing Agency, and a Community Development Corporation, Community Teamwork helps nearly 50,000 individuals from 63 cities and towns in northeastern Massachusetts gain greater economic independence.
