WASHINGTON, D.C. (BNO NEWS) – The U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday announced approximately $67 million in grant funds to 256 organizations through the Workforce Investment Act Indian and Native American Program to support job training and placement services for adults and at-risk youth.

Approximately $53 million is being awarded to 178 organizations through the department’s Employment and Training Administration’s Comprehensive Service Program for Adults, which provides quality employment and training services specifically for Native Americans ages 14 and older who are unemployed, underemployed and low-income individuals.

In addition, around $14 million in grants will be shared among an additional 78 organizations through ETA’s Supplemental Services Program for Youth, which will offer summer and year-round employment and training activities for American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian youth between the ages of 14 and 21.

This program provides an array of employment and training services including job placement assistance, work experience and occupational skills training, specifically targeting at-risk individuals facing substantial employment barriers. The targeted population includes high school dropouts and youth who are in need of basic skills training.

“Funding awarded through this competition will support American Indian, Alaska Native and Native Hawaiian communities in both the development of their local economies and the preparation of workers to meet the needs of promising regional industries,” said Secretary Solis.

“The training and employment services made available through these grants will expand opportunities for adults and at-risk youth in these communities and will help them gain access to the kind of good jobs that offer opportunities for advancement,” she added.

The Workforce Investment Act of 1998 authorizes programs to serve the employment and training needs of Indian and Native American adults and youth through competitive two-year grant awards.

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