WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and U.S. Representatives John Larson (CT-1), Joe Courtney (CT-2) Rosa DeLauro (CT-3), Jim Himes (CT-4) and Elizabeth Esty (CT-5) on Monday applauded over $4.25 million in U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild grants to help young people reach key educational and career milestones. Earlier today, Blumenthal, Murphy and DeLauro visited EMERGE YouthBuild in New Haven, one of the grant recipients, to celebrate the new funding.

Established in 2006, the YouthBuild program provides funding for local non-profit organizations providing education and training for at-risk youth aged 16-24. Participants in the program learn construction skills while building or rehabilitation housing for low-income individuals, and attend classes to help them earn their high school diploma or equivalent degree. For the first time in the program’s history, applications from communities designated as Promise Zones, such as North Hartford, were given priority consideration by the Department of Labor.

“These grants are all about increasing opportunity in Connecticut. YouthBuild puts at-risk young people to work and helps them receive the education they need to find a career and build a better life. From the Promise Zone in Hartford’s North End to neighborhoods in Bridgeport and New Haven, these grants will help remake communities and inspire young people,” said the delegation.

The following Connecticut organizations received federal YouthBuild grants:

  • Capital Workforce Partners of New Britain received $1,099,680 to enroll and train 64 young adults in their New Britain YouthBuild program. Each student will earn up to 12 industry-recognized credentials and a GED or high school degree equivalent while building two single-family, affordable houses in New Britain.
  • Community Renewal Team, Inc. in Hartford received $1,099,997 to provide 62 at-risk youth an opportunity to improve their education, receive occupational training, and develop leadership skills. In addition to professional and educational development, Community Renewal Team’s Behavioral Health Services receive assistance with substance use or mental health issues receive treatment at no cost to program participants or their families. Partners include the city of Hartford, Carpenters Union, Capitol Community College, Mutual Housing Association of Greater Hartford, the Workforce Board, Capitol Region Education Center, Rebuild Hartford, and Habitat for Humanity Hartford.
  • EMERGE Connecticut, Inc. of New Haven received $960,976 to serve 76 young adults aged 16 to 24 from New Haven. Students will engage in academic and technical training, construct three housing sites, earn their high school diploma or GED, and volunteer on community service projects. Partners include the City of New Haven, Workforce Alliance, and Neighborhood Housing Services of New Haven. Additional supports and services will be provided by Gateway Community College, Project Longevity, Elm City Housing Authority, the Yale Undergraduate Prison Project, local trade unions, and other organizations.
  • The WorkPlace in Bridgeport received $1,098,026 to enroll and train 65 at-risk youth from Bridgeport. The students will construct at least two units of low income housing, while earning their high school diploma or GED and learning core construction skills. Partner organizations include Habitat for Humanity of Coastal Fairfield County, Park City Communities, the City of Bridgeport and the Bridgeport Police Department, Housatonic Community College, and Union Locals 777 (Plumbers and Pipefitters), 210 (Carpenters), 488 (Electrical) and 665 (Laborers International).

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