Richmond youth employment program snags $1.1 million grant

By Katherine Tam
West County Times

Posted: 06/12/2009 03:56:21 PM PDT

RICHMOND — A Richmond program that educates and trains at-risk youth for work has won a $1.1 million federal grant, according to U.S. Rep. George Miller's Office.

The funding will be spread out over two years, with the first $687,000 to be awarded this year. The rest is due next year, pending the availably of funds from the federal grant program.

Richmond's YouthBuild provides job training and an education to teenagers and young adults ages 16 to 24. The youth help build and rehabilitate affordable housing while earning their GED or high school diploma and preparing for college or other training. The grant will specifically support YouthBuild programs in the Belding Woods, Iron Triangle and Easter Hill neighborhoods.

"The Richmond YouthBuild program is an outstanding example of how we can invest in our youth and give them the education and job skills they need to succeed," said Miller, the chairman of the Education and Labor Committee.

Sal Vaca, who heads the city's employment and training division, said the money will help the program continue to build career paths for youth.

Reach Katherine Tam at 510-262-2787 or ktam@bayareanewsgroup.com.