St. Paul, MN - The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded $1.9 million to 12 organizations statewide that provide job training and wrap-around services to youth and young adults and expand affordable housing in underserved communities. The grants are anticipated to serve over 600 young people.

DEED's Youthbuild program provides grants to Minnesota organizations that offer construction job training, academic support, mentoring and case management, support services and placement assistance for individuals at risk for not earning a high school diploma. Youthbuild grantees serve young people who have dropped out of high school or are at-risk for dropping out and are economically disadvantaged.

"Youth workforce development programs are a solid investment in young Minnesotans and in communities around our state," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "The services Youthbuild providers offer young people are life changing – they make a difference and help open a world of future opportunities."   

"Youthbuild helps ensure young Minnesotans facing barriers to completing their high school education have the support they need to successfully earn a diploma and prepare for fulfilling employment," said DEED Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Marc Majors. "Youthbuild helps young people prepare for a strong career path in the construction trades where they can earn a family-sustaining wage. The program also helps build or renovate affordable housing."

This year, half of the Minnesota Youthbuild grants were allocated to organizations in the Twin Cities metro area and half were allocated to Greater Minnesota.

"When I learned about the Youthbuild program [from Central Minnesota Job and Training Services] I was eager to join. Through Youthbuild and Legacy2Inspire, I gained lifelong skills, such as teamwork, using a tape measure and hand and electric tools, drywall, plumbing, electrical work, painting, project design and giving back to my community," said Zane, a young Minnesotan supported by a Youthbuild grantee. "We built shelving for a food shelter, read blueprints for benches and chairs for Camp Courage and Camp Friendship, designed and built the Care Closet at Buffalo High School for students' basic needs, and helped with the Montrose food drive. My favorite project was redesigning and building a mobile food pantry for a nonprofit."

Organizations receiving Minnesota Youthbuild grants in State Fiscal Year (SFY) 26-27:

View the latest annual report for the Minnesota Youthbuild program.