PENNSYLVANIA — The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry has awarded over $5 million in grant funding to support nine youth reentry programs. These programs aim to prepare young Pennsylvanians for employment or post-secondary education and reduce recidivism rates.
Through partnerships with local organizations, academic programs, and the juvenile justice system, these programs will assist young adults aged 18-24 who have interacted with Pennsylvania’s judicial system. The initiative aims to provide lifelong skills, job opportunities, and support to help these individuals reach their fullest potential.
“Youth reentry programs not only give young people the tools and meaningful resources needed to gain lifelong skills and a good-paying job, but also help local employers reach an untapped labor pool,” said Secretary Walker. “On behalf of L&I, I want to thank the LWDBs for prioritizing young Pennsylvanians’ success and helping them overcome challenges, strengthen their communities, and ultimately reach their fullest potential.”
The programs will provide in-demand job training, re-entry support services, mentorship, higher education opportunities, and family-sustaining career pathways – all of which align with Governor Josh Shapiro’s budget proposal of $4 million to invest in probation and parole services for all Pennsylvanians and reduce recidivism in Pennsylvania.
The following LWDBs and youth reentry programs were awarded funding at 100% with Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act statewide activity funds.
- Berks County Workforce Development Board (Berks County) – $800,000
- Luzerne/Schuylkill Workforce Development Board (Bradford, Carbon, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Monroe, Pike, Schuylkill, Sullivan, Susquehanna, Tioga, Wayne, Wyoming counties) – $800,000
- North Central Workforce Development Board (Cameron, Clearfield, Elk, Jefferson, McKean, Potter counties) – $256,400
- South Central Workforce Development Board (Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Juniata, Lebanon, Perry, York counties) – $450,000
- Southern Alleghenies Workforce Development Board (Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon, Somerset counties) – $800,000
- Southwest Corner Workforce Development Board (Washington, Greene counties) – $300,000
- Three Rivers Workforce Development Board (Allegheny County) – $799,515
- West Central Workforce Development Board (Lawrence, Mercer counties) – $250,000
- Westmoreland/Fayette Workforce Development Board (Fayette, Westmoreland counties) – $651,277
The Youth Reentry grant program will be funded for two years through June 2025.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, visit the website.
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