(Washington, DC) Today, Congressman John Yarmuth (KY-3) announced that YouthBuild Louisville will receive $100,000 in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act to fund vocational instruction programs and energy-efficient building training for Louisville young people.

“During difficult economic times, we need to focus more than ever on creating employment opportunities,” said Congressman Yarmuth. “This Recovery Act funding invests directly in preparing Louisville young people for jobs in fields that will be thriving for decades to come.”

The funding for YouthBuild will be provided by the Green Capacity Building program, which provides support for initiatives that help individuals acquire the skills needed to enter and advance in energy-efficient industries and occupations. At YouthBuild, disadvantaged Louisville youth will receive instruction from staff on green building construction and conservation projects.

 “Today’s announcement is part of the Administration’s long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic growth and a clean energy future.  It’s an investment that will help American workers do well while doing good,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. “These grants provide an immediate return, and they are the beginning of a larger green initiative that will lead to increased job placements and promote economic growth.”

YouthBuild Louisville provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth age 16 to 24. Participants in the year-round program focus on learning the craft of constructing and rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income families in their own neighborhoods. On-the-job training at construction sites is combined with classroom studies, where students earn their GED or high school diploma.

“YouthBuild Louisville’s board, staff and students are thrilled today to accept a Green Capacity Building grant of $100,000 from U.S. Department of Labor,” said Lynn Rippy, Executive Director of YouthBuild Louisville. “It will  to more fully prepare young people in Louisville, Kentucky to build sustainable homes and aid in the conservation of our local natural resources.  We believe it will place YouthBuild Louisville in a pivotal role to assist with construction and land management initiatives in our community.”  

This is the latest Recovery Act investment in job creation in Louisville and the latest support Congressman Yarmuth has announced for YouthBuild’s efforts. Funding from the Recovery Act is currently supporting the construction of a new TARC maintenance facility in downtown Louisville that is expected to immediately create 80 jobs. This summer, GE announced more than 400 new jobs would be created at Louisville’s Appliance Park thanks in part to incentives in the Recovery Act for energy-efficiency manufacturing projects.

In early July, Congressman Yarmuth announced that $699,600 in Recovery Act funding would be awarded to YouthBuild for other vocational instruction programs.