Happy May Day everyone! I know that at this time of year in my home I start to see end-of-school-year fever. It takes a little extra effort to get the boys focused on their homework when the warm weather beckons. For youth who are of working age, this is the time of year to set plans for that summer job. With those brave job hunters in mind, today’s pick involves federal money for job training and employment opportunities for at-risk youth.

YouthBuild was started in East Harlem, New York, in 1978 to provide education services for youth and teach construction skills through renovation and home building for low-income families. In 1993, YouthBuild became a federal program and today this youth and community development program simultaneously addresses several core issues facing low-income communities.

“Grant funds will be used to provide disadvantaged youth with: the education and employment skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency in occupations in high demand and postsecondary education and training opportunities; opportunities for meaningful work and service to their communities; and opportunities to develop employment and leadership skills and a commitment to community development among youth in low-income communities.”

Applicant organizations can apply for three-year grants that will range from $700,000 to $1.1 million. The closing date to apply is July 3, 2007 and proposals can only be submitted through Grants.gov. The link to the funding announcement is http://www.grants.gov/search/search.do?oppId=13658&mode=VIEW.