SLATE Awarded $1.1 million YouthBuild Grant

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) has been awarded a $1.1 million YouthBuild grant through Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA). Of the 77 YouthBuild grantees nationwide, SLATE is the only agency in the state of Missouri to receive this funding award.

YouthBuild is a nationally-recognized pre-apprenticeship program for disadvantaged young people ages 16-24. Emphasis is placed on building Union diversity, high school diploma attainment, leadership development, financial literacy, academic achievement, and community service. Program participants complete high school or state equivalency degree programs, earn industry-recognized certifications for in-demand occupations, and undergo training to build housing for low-income or homeless individuals and families in their communities.

“The YouthBuild program is a major win for the Saint Louis Community. This amazing program will be a bridge to prosperity for populations that have historically been underserved,” Dr. Prince, Executive Director of SLATE

SLATE was previously awarded a YouthBuild grant in 2014, which successfully educated and provided training in construction skills to 75 St. Louis youth over a two-year period. Participants that successfully completed the program have been placed for employment with area businesses, or enrolled in post-secondary degree programs through a partnership with Ranken Technical College in St. Louis. SLATE’s 2017 YouthBuild also includes two “Construction-Plus” categories to expand opportunities for youth participants beyond building skills, including both Cybersecurity and Pharmacy Technician career tracks.

“There are pathways to successful careers outside of traditional education models,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “There are 6.2 million open jobs in the U.S., including 228,000 in construction, and 388,000 in manufacturing. By partnering with local community colleges and nonprofits, we can empower America’s young people with the skills to succeed in the good-paying jobs of today and of the future.”

For more information about St. Louis YouthBuild, please contact SLATE at 314-589-8000.

About SLATE

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) of the City of St. Louis offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost services related to employment, training, and career advancement. In coordination with the Missouri State Department of Economic Development (DED), Division of Workforce Development (DWD), the City of St. Louis Mayor's office and a number of partners, the SLATE Missouri Career Center connects employers with skilled candidates, and provides training and placement services to the City's adult workforce. The SLATE Missouri Career Center is located in Downtown St. Louis, and provides the City's job seekers with a full array of employment services including career advice, employment counseling, skill assessments, training, and job placement.