YouthBuild Providence Lands $1.1 Million Federal Grant to Provide Education & Job Skills for RI Youth

Press Release

U.S. Senators Jack Reed and Sheldon Whitehouse and U.S. Representatives Jim Langevin and David Cicilline today joined Patrick McGuigan, Executive Director of the Providence Plan (ProvPlan) and Anthony Hubbard, ProvPlan's YouthBuild Director, in announcing a $1.1 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to give at-risk young Rhode Islanders the opportunity to get a good education and develop the job skills they need to succeed.

YouthBuild Providence, which is a part of the Providence Plan, provides cutting-edge vocational training and academic opportunities for students who have dropped out of mainstream education. The program helps students earn their diploma or GED while gaining hands-on experience by participating in neighborhood construction projects. Participants receive an opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials in construction trades while gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry.

"I am pleased ProvPlan is receiving this critical federal funding to help build on the success of YouthBuild Providence. YouthBuild's innovative programs help young people further their education and learn new job skills while giving back to the community. This is truly a model program that makes a real difference for young people and strengthens Rhode Island's workforce. This federal investment will help YouthBuild Providence expand its reach," said Senator Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee which oversees federal funding for U.S. Department of Labor programs.

"Providing our kids with the skills they need to compete in today's job market will strengthen Rhode Island's economy for decades to come," said Senator Whitehouse. "YouthBuild Providence accomplishes this by giving young people workforce experience while allowing them to give back to their communities. It's a win-win for our state, and I congratulate the Providence Plan and YouthBuild on this important federal funding."

"All young people in America deserve the same, quality education and an equal chance at success, regardless of their race, religion, family history or socioeconomic status. Too often, these factors put students at an overwhelming disadvantage. YouthBuild programs nationwide, and the Providence Plan locally, reverse those trends and stop at-risk youth from falling through the cracks," said Congressman Langevin. "Congratulations to Providence Plan on this exciting grant award. I have every confidence that this infusion of $1.1 million will be put to good use and will provide countless benefits to young Rhode Islanders."

"Young people entering the workforce today will face new challenges that didn't even exist a few years ago. That's why it's so important that this new federal grant will provide more than $1 million so that YouthBuild Providence can prepare Rhode Islanders with new skills to compete in a global economy," said Congressman Cicilline, who advocated for YouthBuild Providence's grant. "I am proud that we were able to help deliver on this grant request and bring money back to help Rhode Island taxpayers find good-paying jobs."