The U.S. Department of Labor today announced an $85 million funding opportunity to support programs that provide skills training through work-based learning, employment services, educational support and mentorship to youth and young adults in communities affected by violence, crime and poverty. 

Violence and poverty can prevent teenagers from realizing their potential and block access to equitable educational and employment opportunities. The Growth Opportunities funding announced today will help to address those structural barriers by supporting local organizations that provide jobs, training and supportive services that prepare and empower young people to succeed in the labor market and their communities. 

The funding – made available through the department’s Employment and Training Administration – supports the department’s Youth Employment Works strategy, which seeks to ensure there is “no wrong door” for young people to access supportive services and workforce development opportunities. 

The Reentry Employment Opportunities program funding opportunity announced today will award grants through two competitive rounds. Using funding authorized through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, $40 million will be awarded in the fourth round. The remaining $45 million for the fifth round is pending availability of fiscal year 2024 appropriations.