Milwaukee Area Technical College has been awarded a $1,089,254 U.S. Department of Labor YouthBuild Grant to provide instruction and work experience training in construction trades to 72 at-risk youth/young adults from the City of Milwaukee.

In partnership with Journey House, Habitat for Humanity, Spotted Eagle and KPH Construction Company, MATC will offer case management, a contextualized construction curriculum, mentoring, GED completion and work experience at construction sites in Milwaukee. Individuals who successfully complete the program will have industry-recognized credentials and college credit.

“The young men and women who will be served by this grant will gain valuable education and practical experience that propel them to construction careers,” said MATC President Dr. Vicki J. Martin. “The program also provides a strong foundation so participants can continue on the pathway to a construction-related career through a number of MATC academic programs. In addition to the benefits for the participants, the results of this program will help create affordable housing in Milwaukee’s Washington Park and Clarke Square neighborhoods.”

Nationwide, the Department of Labor awarded more than $73 million in grants to support academic and occupational skills training for at-risk youth. Approximately 4,800 young people in 31 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands will obtain the certifications and skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency. Along with the programs receiving funding today, the Labor Department now actively funds 322 YouthBuild programs around the country.

YouthBuild is a non-residential, community-based alternative education program that provides classroom instruction and occupational skills training to youth ages 16 to 24 who have been in the juvenile justice system, are aging out of foster care, have dropped out of high school or are otherwise at-risk of failing to reach key educational and career milestones.