Gillibrand touts urban job legislation
Nonprofit groups could play a major role in job training for youth if federal legislation moves forward.
The Urban Jobs Act of 2011, an amendment to the 1998 Workforce Investment Act (WIA), would authorize grants to the National Urban League to allow local affiliates to provide education, job training and support services for young adults.
The legislation is aimed at increasing employment among at-risk youth between the ages of 18-24 in urban settings.
According to Gillibrand’s office, the program would provide several services, including case management; educational programming, such as skills assessment, remediation and educational enrichment, General Education Development (GED) preparation and post-secondary education; employment and job readiness activities, including mentoring, placement in community service opportunities, internships, on-the-job training, skills training and job placement; and support services.
“Supporting education and training for our youth is a smart investment that will help rebuild our local economy and pay dividends over the long term,” Gillibrand said.
According to Gillibrand’s office, the legislation would allocate $20 million in grants the first year, and increase by $10 million each year for the next four years. By 2016, $200 million worth of grants would be awarded to nonprofit organizations.
