PROVIDENCE, RI - U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined Patrick McGuigan, Executive Director of the Providence Plan, Andrew Cortes, the Providence Plan's YouthBuild Director, and young trainees from YouthBuild Providence, to announce a $960,000 YouthBuild award for the Providence Plan to help young people earn their GEDs and develop the skills they need to successfully transition into the workforce. This three-year grant, administered by the Department of Labor, will enable YouthBuild Providence to enroll 60 new trainees over a two-year period in its educational program.

"I am pleased that the Providence Plan is receiving this critical federal funding to help ensure the continuation of its successful YouthBuild program. This money will offer more young people an opportunity to build for their future and help create a better educated workforce for Rhode Island," said Reed, a senior member of the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) committee and a member of the appropriations committee which oversees federal funding for the Department of Labor programs. "A lot of these young people have struggled in a traditional school setting, but they have thrived in the YouthBuild program and are on their way to launching successful careers in the construction business."

YouthBuild Providence is an educational program designed to provide 16- to 24-year-old Providence residents a second chance at earning their General Education Development (GED) diploma while learning valuable occupational and life management skills. YouthBuild Providence uses an intensive 10-month program that combines construction training, leadership development, and academic preparation as tools to teach the values of discipline, integrity, and hard work.

"We are extremely proud that Senator Reed's efforts on the national stage have translated into tangible results for Rhode Island's young adults in need," said Andrew Cortes, the YouthBuild Providence Director. "With 92% retention of our last class, and over $12 per hour average wage for our graduates, YouthBuild Providence represents effective federal investment on a local level - improving the quality of life for both our young adults and our communities."

Today there are over 226 Youthbuild programs in 42 states engaging over 8,000 young adults. YouthBuild Providence's parent organization, the Providence Plan, works to prepare today's children for tomorrow's jobs; provide decent and affordable housing; and make our neighborhoods safe and livable.

Senator Reed has been a strong supporter of YouthBuild and has sought to double funding for the program this year, from $50 million to $100 million.

Since 1993, Congress has provided $700 million in appropriations for this program, which has leveraged over $1.5 billion in additional public and private investment. However, last year 260 communities were denied YouthBuild funding. And over 14,000 applicants were turned away from existing YouthBuild programs because of lack of funds in 2005.

"I continue to fight for increased funding for this program because YouthBuild has proven to be an effective investment of federal resources. This program provides more than just job training, it provides hope and gives kids an opportunity to harness their talents and turn them into successful careers," concluded Reed.