TROY, NY (9/12/2012) – The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO), Executive Director, Karen E. Gordon, in collaboration with Senator Kirsten Gillibrand and Senator Charles Schumer, announced that CEO will receive a $1.1 million YouthBuild grant, from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL).

This grant will enable CEO to serve seventy seven, young adults ages 16 -24, in a non-traditional community-based GED and occupational skills training program. Many of these youth have been in the juvenile justice system, are aging out of foster care, have dropped out of high school, or are otherwise at-risk of failing to reach key educational milestones and opportunities that lead to career fulfillment.

“I am ecstatic that this grant will provide funding continuity for this program that has been in jeopardy and will offer additional Rensselaer County young adults the opportunity to improve their lives and begin on the path of self-sufficiency,” commented Gordon. “Sometimes all our young people need is a little encouragement, guidance and the chance to believe in themselves, which the YouthBuild program provides.”

Local, state and federal representatives and CEO’s community partners have been very supportive of the YouthBuild Program. Congressman Paul D. Tonko posted the following quote on his Facebook page this week: “These are the types of investments that empower our local communities, enabling individuals to achieve success, reduce the unemployment rate and put people back to work.” CEO echoes this statement.

Congratulations to CEO’s community partner, Northeast Parent and Child Society, on also receiving the $1.1 million DOL YouthBuild grant.

CEO looks forward to providing many more young adults with the opportunity to prepare for GED attainment, learn marketable employment skills, gain leadership experience and participate in rebuilding their communities.

For more information, contact Emily Cote, Director of Marketing and Communications, at 518-272-6012 ext. 274 or via email at ecote@ceo-cap.org.