May 06, 2024

Rep. Sykes Announces Over $2.6 Million to Support Training, Employment Services to Young People in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District

AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $2,649,269 in YouthBuild Program grants to Ohio’s 13th Congressional District to provide training and employment services, expand access to apprenticeship opportunities, prepare young workers for quality jobs and strengthen the nation’s workforce to meet industry demands.

“This investment of more than $2.6 million will allow vital job training opportunities for young people throughout Ohio’s 13th District,” said Rep. Sykes. “These funds will help ensure everyone in our communities, no matter their background, can acquire the skills and tools they need to take part in our growing economy and secure good-paying, in-demand jobs.”

The grant recipients and award amounts are listed below: 

  • Towpath Trail High School (Akron): $1.5 million
  • Project Rebuild Inc. (Canton): $1,149,269

YouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational services for opportunity youth ages 16-24 who left school without a secondary diploma.

Participants learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries that include healthcare, information technology, and hospitality. Participants also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.  Participants split their time between the vocational training work site and the classroom, where they earn their high school diploma or equivalency, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for postsecondary training opportunities, including college, apprenticeships, and employment.  YouthBuild includes significant support systems, such as mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services, and participation in community service and civic engagement.

Administered by the Office of Workforce Investment's Division of Youth Services, YouthBuild serves more than 5,000 youth in approximately 200 YouthBuild programs in more than 40 states.  

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