Federal Grant Fuels YouthBuild Program to Empower NYCHA Youth

On Wednesday, June 12th, New York City Mayor Eric Adams, alongside NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt, announced a $1.3 million federal grant from the United States Department of Labor to support a YouthBuild pre-apprenticeship program. This initiative aims to equip young residents of NYCHA developments in Brownsville, Brooklyn, with leadership skills, vocational training, and job placement opportunities.

YouthBuild, a community-based pre-apprenticeship program, offers educational services and job training for youth aged 16-24 who left school without a secondary diploma. Participants will split their time between vocational training and classroom education, working towards high school equivalency and postsecondary opportunities. The program also includes significant support systems such as mentoring and personal counseling.

“As a proud son of Brownsville, I know firsthand the value of investing in our young people,” stated Mayor Eric Adams. “Our city’s future depends on our ability to help our young people grow, fulfill their potential, and thrive in an ever-changing economy. The YouthBuild program will provide young people living in NYCHA developments across Brownsville with the building blocks to family-sustaining careers.”

Deputy Mayor for Strategic Initiatives Ana J. Almanzar highlighted the importance of this investment, saying, “Funding quality programming for our out-of-school, out-of-work youth is one of the most important investments we can make in the future of the city’s workforce. This new partnership between the federal government, NYCHA, and YouthBuild ensures we are building a truly inclusive economy for the city’s future.”

NYCHA CEO Lisa Bova-Hiatt expressed her enthusiasm for the program: “It is our absolute pleasure to receive this generous grant and to operate the YouthBuild program for young NYCHA residents in Brownsville. This program will not only facilitate vital hands-on job skills and experience but also foster leadership qualities and provide advantageous networking opportunities.”

Keith Howard, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Youth and Community Development, added, “Through the work with young people — particularly those who live in Brownsville — we know the critical role of job training and career placement in changing the trajectory of young lives. YouthBuild is a perfect complement to our existing youth workforce development efforts.”

The YouthBuild program will serve 60 NYCHA residents through two six-month cohorts, providing technical, lab, and classroom instruction on construction skills, hands-on experience through the renovation of NYCHA units, and leadership development. Participants will receive industry-recognized certifications, high school equivalency instruction, and comprehensive job placement support.

This grant is a crucial step in Mayor Adams’ broader “Spring Jobs Sprint” initiative, which aims to create thousands of new jobs and provide economic opportunities across New York City. The YouthBuild program exemplifies the administration’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economy and empowering young New Yorkers to achieve their full potential.