(NEWARK, NJ) - U.S. Senators Robert Menendez and Cory Booker (both D-NJ) applauded the announcement today that the Housing Authority of the City of Camden (HACC) has been awarded $1.1 million from the Department of Labor to bolster its YouthBuild program which provides at-risk young people with the education and skills training they need to compete for good paying jobs in construction trades, health care and information technology. Camden was one of 71 programs nationwide to receive funding.

"For too many young people in our struggling communities, dropping out of school, aging out of foster care or getting in trouble means no chance of getting a good job on real career pathway," said Sen. Menendez. "YouthBuild changes that by giving these kids a second chance, arming them with the education and skills they need to compete and succeed in the construction trades, health care and other in-demand occupations. We should be expanding these programs wherever we can."

"Widespread unemployment has had a devastating and demoralizing effect on youth in communities like Camden and in urban cities all across the state," said Sen. Booker, who introduced legislation in April that offers tax credits to employers who put young people to work as apprentices. "If we truly want to remain competitive as a nation, we must invest in all of our young people. Together, with programs like YouthBuild and apprenticeships, we can give young people who might otherwise fall victim to the defeating cycle of incarceration an opportunity to succeed."

"Programs like YouthBuild are literally changing and saving lives in Camden," Mayor Dana L. Redd said. "To hear that the U.S. DOL is awarding $1.1 million grant to Housing Authority's YouthBuild program is great news. My Administration is working hard to ensure our youth and young adults have viable options to assist them succeed in life. I commend Senator Menendez and Senator Booker for their leadership and commitment to making sure programs like YouthBuild receive the necessary grant funding and for always keeping Camden close to their hearts." Last month, Senator Menendez wrote to the Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training in support of Camden's application for the grant. Over a three year period, HACC anticipates it will connect 65 youth to career pathways within construction trades as well as providing education, support services and leadership training. In addition to graduating with industry-recognized professional certificates, their YouthBuild program will provide certificate programs in nursing, home health assistance, communication technology, culinary arts and central processing.

YouthBuild is a non-residential, community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training to youth ages 16 to 24 who 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 and career milestones. The classroom training component leads to a high school diploma, general education development or other state-recognized equivalency diploma. The occupational skills training component provides YouthBuild participants with industry-recognized certifications in construction or other in-demand occupations, such as health care and information technology. Leadership development and community service are also key elements of the YouthBuild program, helping to ensure that participants maintain a connection to their communities through public service and volunteerism.