Boston, MA – U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch (MA-08) joined United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Edward J. Markey (D-MA), along with Representatives William Keating (MA-09), Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) and Lori Trahan (MA-03) to announce that YouthBuild Programs in Boston, Lowell and New Bedford will receive a total of $3,355,895 in grants from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

The grants will support programs that help young people learn occupational skills in construction, health care, information technology, and hospitality. YouthBuild participants assist with building or rehabilitating affordable housing in their communities while receiving educational support and training as they complete their high school degrees or equivalent.

The DOL's grants include:

• $813,600 to YouthBuild Boston (Boston, MA)
• $1,440,000 to Community Teamwork Inc. (Lowell, MA)
• $1,102,295 to People Acting in Community Endeavors Inc. (New Bedford, MA)

"I am pleased to see the non-profit organization YouthBuild receive this substantial grant from the Department of Labor," said Representative Lynch.  "The YouthBuild program helps transform lives by providing at-risk youth the proper education, counseling and training to help them gain employment in the building trades industry.  After working as an iron worker for almost 20 years, I know firsthand the importance of learning the proper skills and safety precautions in order to be successful in these laborious jobs.  I am proud to help support this organization that continues to help young adults build their careers to improve their quality of life and strengthen their community."

"All our kids deserve a chance to succeed, and that includes getting a high-quality education and receiving needed job training," said Senator Warren. "It is great to see YouthBuild programs in Massachusetts receive this funding, and I am going to keep fighting in Congress for more federal resources to give all of our kids access to programs that help them get ahead."

"Kids are 20% of our population, but 100% of our future, and we owe it to provide them the best education, the most relevant job skills, and the brightest of outlooks to build their futures," said Senator Markey. "These YouthBuild grants will do just that -- help build bright futures for youth in the Lowell, New Bedford, and Boston areas. I congratulate these programs for securing this vital funding, and I look forward to all of the positive impacts these young people will have on their families, their schools, and their communities."

"This million dollar grant to PACE will provide a strong foundation to many young people in the Greater New Bedford area," said Congressman Keating.  "YouthBuild programs provide positive influences, educational opportunities, and job training to prepare for the future.  But their most profound influence may come from their important message to young people that we, as a community value them and their work, and that we all have a stake in their future success."

"The Massachusetts 7th Congressional District is home to the largest concentrations of young people and we must support their path to a successful and prosperous future," said Congresswoman Pressley. "The activist leadership of organizations such as YouthBuild will provide an on-ramp to our nation's up and coming leaders and opportunities to invest in themselves and their communities. I am proud of the powerful work happening in community and further bolstered by YouthBuild Boston's skills training."

"Since 1999, Community Teamwork has been helping at-risk youth train for careers that will provide them with a lifetime of success. Through their volunteer work in the community, these students receive quality apprenticeships and learn entrepreneurship skills that will empower them to support themselves and their families," said Congresswoman Trahan. "This funding represents a solid investment in our youth and their families, our workforce, and our regional economy. As a Member of Congress I will continue to fight for important investments like this." 

More information about the federal YouthBuild program is available at DOL's website here.