WASHINGTON \u2013 The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $20 million in grants for national out-of-school time organizations to expand local work-based learning opportunities, job training and career pathways for underserved youth after school and during the summer.<\/p>\n
The\u00a0Workforce Pathways for Youth<\/a> demonstration grants will help these organizations partner with state or locally operated affiliate organizations to serve historically marginalized and underserved youth, ages 14 to 21.\u00a0<\/p>\n Through partnerships with the workforce system, out-of-school time organizations introduce youth to career-related services, including work-based learning experiences and occupational skills training. They also provide paid employment opportunities that help youth gain foundational skills for success in post-secondary education and employment. The program also encourages partners across the workforce system to provide supportive services, such as transportation and emergency assistance, to address the needs of participating youth.<\/p>\n Authorized under the\u00a0Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act<\/a>, the fifth round of Workforce Pathways for Youth grants align with the Biden-Harris administration\u2019s commitment to creating opportunities that connect people to good jobs, while supporting the department\u2019s\u00a0Youth Employment Works Strategy<\/a> that supports young adults entering the workforce. The department\u2019s\u00a0Employment and Training Administration<\/a> will award this fifth round of grants with a focus on building the future mental health workforce in addition to other growing in-demand sectors.<\/p>\n