WASHINGTON - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) today announced that four New Jersey organizations with YouthBuild programs will receive more than $4.2 million in funding from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL). These YouthBuild grants will help young men and women earn a GED or high school diploma while learning critical occupational skills in construction, health care, information technology and other fields.

"Investing in our YouthBuild programs is an investment in young people who deserve a second chance to reach their fullest potential," said Senator Menendez. "It's absolutely crucial that we don't let our young New Jerseyans - those who have lost their way or lack the support and nurturing they need - fall through the cracks. Instead,we must provide them withthe tools they need tonot only succeed in their own lives, but to contribute to the success of our State and country as well."

"The YouthBuild program provides young adults with an opportunity to advance their education while learning valuable job skills and serving their communities,"said Senator Lautenberg, who is a member of the Appropriations Committee, which fundsthe Department of Labor."The skills, training, and education provided by these programs will not only help individuals succeed, they will also strengthen our state and local neighborhoods."

SenatorsMenendezand Lautenberghavecontinuously worked to ensure this program is adequately funded and those funds make it back to New Jersey. Senator Menendezmost recently wrote a letter to DOL in support of funding for The Housing Authority of the City of Camden's YouthBuild program, andSenator Lautenberg has written to Senate Appropriations Committee leaders urging continued federal support of the program.

YouthBuild is a community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training to at-risk individuals ages 16-24. Many participants have been in the juvenile justice system, are aging out of foster care, have dropped out of high school, or are otherwise at-risk of failing to reach key educational milestones and opportunities that lead to career fulfillment.

The $4,232,900 YouthBuild funding will be distributed as follows:

Grantee

City

Funding Amount

Brand New Day, Inc.

Elizabeth

$1,100,000

Housing Authority of the City of Camden

Camden

$1,021,950

New Jersey Community Development Corporation

Paterson

$1,021,950

St. Paul`s Community Development Corporation

Paterson

$1,089,000

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