PROVIDENCE, RI – U.S. Senator Jack Reed (D-RI) today joined Providence Mayor Angel Taveras; Patrick McGuigan, Executive Director of the Providence Plan (ProvPlan); Anthony Hubbard, ProvPlan’s YouthBuild Director; and young trainees from YouthBuild Providence, to announce $1.1 million in federal funding to help give at-risk young people the opportunity to get a good education and the job skills they need to succeed.

YouthBuild Providence, which is a part of the Providence Plan, provides cutting-edge vocational training and academic opportunities for students who have dropped out of mainstream education.  The program helps students earn their diploma or GED while gaining hands-on experience by participating in neighborhood construction projects.  Participants receive an opportunity to earn industry-recognized credentials in construction trades while gaining hands-on experience in the construction industry.

“I am pleased the Providence Plan is receiving this critical federal funding to help build on the success of YouthBuild Providence.  YouthBuild’s innovative programs help young people further their education and learn new job skills while giving back to the community.  This is truly a model program that makes a real difference for young people and strengthens Rhode Island’s workforce.  This federal investment will help YouthBuild Providence expand its reach,” said Reed, a member of the Appropriations Committee which oversees federal funding for U.S. Department of Labor programs. 

“My administration is focused on ensuring that every child in Providence has access to excellent educational opportunities,” said Mayor Angel Taveras.  “By preparing its graduates for success in college and the workforce, the partnership between Providence Public Schools and YouthBuild is a good example of a successful alternative pathway to high school graduation.  Additional funding for YouthBuild will enhance the program for young people to participate and develop the skills they need to be successful.”

“The funding from the U.S. Department of Labor comes at an ideal time as we look to expand our diploma partnership with the Providence Public School District and explore other efforts to create multiple pathways that help young adults succeed both in school and at work,” said Patrick McGuigan, the Executive Director of the Providence Plan.

“The demand for YouthBuild services in Providence has never been greater,” said Anthony Hubbard, YouthBuild Providence Director.  “Now, more than ever, dozens of young adults in Providence rely upon our program to provide the academic and occupational skills they need to become both college and career ready.”

During today’s visit, Senator Reed and Mayor Taveras spoke with YouthBuild students and staff and toured the construction training site to learn how YouthBuild is using federal funding to leverage private matching resources and helping students build more affordable housing for the community at the same time they are building character, responsibility, and brighter futures for themselves.  YouthBuild Providence enjoys widespread support from the public sector and non-profit community, and is leveraging the U.S. Department of Labor grant with nearly $760,000 in matching and leveraged resources. 

YouthBuild Providence will use the federal funding over a two-year period, with a third year of follow up, to help provide at least 64 disadvantaged youth, ages 18 to 24, with academic training and on-site work experience, leadership, and community service opportunities.

YouthBuild Providence is one of the longest-running YouthBuild programs in the country, having started in 1997.  Over 400 students have helped build 18 units of affordable housing.  

YouthBuild Providence has built strong partnerships with Providence Public Schools and the Community College of Rhode Island (CCRI).  This August, YouthBuild Providence will be awarding its first regular high school diplomas as part of its partnership with Providence Public Schools aimed at reaching students before they drop out of high school.  The program is also expanding its career offerings to the health fields through its partnership with CCRI.