“Instead of simply writing off or ignoring untrained young Americans who have been traditionally shut out of the job market, this programs expands training opportunities for these youths in hopes of increasing their chance at finding adequate employment,” explains Congressman Chaka Fattah.

The Department of Labor announced Saturday that this first-of-its-kind $223 million investment would be awarded to 36 communities, providing education to young people who are most at risk of permanent joblessness.  In Philadelphia, the monies will be awarded to the City’s new Youth Opportunity Community Centers to supply education, training and support services to 700 out-of-school youth and 300 in-school youth.  

According to Philadelphia’s Workforce Investment Board, “this project will build on Philadelphia’s success with innovative youth job projects, and will include a unique literacy academy; collaboration with area universities; a focus on plugging in gaps where young people need services; and drop-out specialists for each school.”

Most noteworthy about this program is that it brings together Philadelphia Public Schools, city agencies, community based organizations and businesses in a community wide effort focused on  giving young Philadelphians the necessary tools to succeed in the future.