Morelle secures $1.1 million in funding for Urban League's YouthBuild programming
Today, Congressman Joe Morelle announced $1.1 million in federal Department of Labor funding for the Urban League of Rochester’s YouthBuild program, which provides occupational training and educational opportunity for young adults who are not currently in school.
“This award is so much more than just funding—it’s providing hope and opportunity to young people in our community and giving them the tools to thrive,” said Congressman Morelle. “By providing both apprenticeship training and academic education, Urban League’s YouthBuild program is getting young people off the streets and onto the path to success while also strengthening our local economy. I want to congratulate Urban League on this exciting award, and I look forward to our continued work together to support and uplift Rochester families.”
“We are incredibly grateful to Congressman Morelle for his continued advocacy on behalf of our community’s youth,” said Dr. Seanelle Hawkins, President and CEO of the Urban League of Rochester. “This federal funding will be truly life-changing for our YouthBuild participants and their families as the Urban League supports their career development. It is only by making career opportunities accessible to everyone that we may begin to address the deep economic inequities in our community.”
This $1.1 million grant from the Department of Labor comes as a part of their YouthBuild program, which is aimed at bolstering job training and educational opportunities for those aged 18-24 who have previously dropped out of high school.
At the Urban League of Rochester, these funds will be allocated to programs which provide Pre-Apprentice Certificate Training and Certified Manufacturing Associate Training to these young adults. In addition, these programs will also have a GED preparation component, where students will work towards completing their high school equivalency diplomas as a way of creating additional career opportunities. These programs also assist in the development of soft skills to ensure graduates can not only obtain but maintain employment.
Questions and media inquiries may be directed to wrivera@ulr.org.