BiCAP, Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency receive Youthbuild grants

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development awarded nearly $2 million to 12 organizations that provide job training to youths and young adults.

DEED’s Youthbuild program provides grants to Minnesota organizations that offer construction job training, academic support, mentoring, case management and other services for young people who have dropped out of high school or are at risk of dropping out.

Three of those organizations serve Northern Minnesota. Bi-County Community Action Programs — serving Beltrami and Cass counties with offices in Bemidji — will receive $190,000 to fund its Youthbuild program. Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency in Grand Rapids will also receive a $180,000 grant, and True North Goodwill of Northern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin will receive $100,000.

"Youth workforce development programs are a solid investment in young Minnesotans and in communities around our state," stated DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek in a news release. "The services Youthbuild providers offer young people are life changing — they make a difference and help open a world of future opportunities."

The program, serving about 600 young people in the state, also expands affordable housing in underserved communities.

"Youthbuild helps ensure young Minnesotans facing barriers to completing their high school education have the support they need to successfully earn a diploma and prepare for fulfilling employment," stated DEED Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Marc Majors.

"Youthbuild helps young people prepare for a strong career path in the construction trades where they can earn a family-sustaining wage. The program also helps build or renovate affordable housing."