$2.6M to go toward jobs, training for youth

PROVIDENCE – A Rhode Island program aimed at helping young people build skills and experience in the work world has received $2.6 million in grants, the Governor’s Workforce Board announced Friday.

The money will go to the Real Skills for Youth program, which will distribute it to 16 businesses, nonprofits and educational groups for use in developing and implementing year-round career readiness programming for young people from age 14 to 24, including paid summer working and learning opportunities.

Partnerships between grant recipients and Real Skills for Youth are expected to help more than 2,800 youth with career exploration and skill-building. Of that number, more than 1,100 will work at paid jobs this summer.

“This $2.6 million is a direct investment in the future of Rhode Island’s workforce,” Gov. Gina M. Raimondo said in a statement. “With 16 new strategic partnerships, the Governor’s Workforce Board will expand their reach and diversify their programming. Having access to career exploration and work-based learning is critical, and I’m excited that more than 2,000 Rhode Island youth will now have the opportunity to kickstart their careers.”

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Real Skills for Youth is part of PrepareRI, a three-year plan funded by a $2 million New Skills for Youth grant from JP Morgan Chase, to work toward readying Rhode Island students for college and careers.

Grantees are:

  • AS220
  • Blackstone Valley Community Action Program
  • Center for Dynamic Learning
  • City of Providence, Office of Economic Opportunity
  • Comprehensive Community Action Program
  • Connecting for Children and Families
  • DownCity Design
  • East Bay Community Action Program
  • Inspiring Minds
  • Nowell Leadership Academy
  • RI Nurses Institute Middle College Charter High School
  • Skills for Rhode Island’s Future
  • Southside Community Land Trust
  • Tri-County Community Action Agency
  • Young Voices
  • YouthBuild Preparatory Academy