Press Release

September 30, 2016
Cardin, Mikulski Announce $1.1 Million Grant to Help At-Risk Youth in Baltimore

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Ben Cardin and Barbara A. Mikulski (both D-Md.) have announced that community service organization Civic Works in Baltimore will receive $1.1 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) as part of a new nationwide YouthBuild grant.

“For more than 20 years, Civic Works has helped Baltimore’s at-risk youth receive the education and job training they both need and deserve,” said Senator Cardin. “Thanks to their efforts, countless Marylanders have earned their high school diplomas, occupational certifications, and critical job skills – all of which have helped participants attain secure jobs and independent lives. I congratulate Executive Director Dana Stein and his entire team at Civic Works for truly outstanding leadership and commitment to Baltimore.”

“I believe that in America, if you’re ready to work and want a job, you should have one,” said Senator Mikulski, Vice Chairwoman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which funds the DOL. “Grants like these are investments in our young people to help them acquire the skills, training and education they need to succeed. These funds in the federal checkbook will help Marylanders get the on-the-job training and know-how they need.”

Civic Works engages in a wide range of community service initiatives, including their “Building Brighter Futures” program, which has successfully placed 600 participants in Baltimore-area jobs. Equally successful, Civic Works’ “Healthy Food & Green Communities” program has grown 60,000 pounds of fresh produce used to feed vulnerable Maryland families. In 2007 they were awarded a Standard of Excellence designation by the Maryland Association of Nonprofit Organizations.

The YouthBuild initiative was established by DOL in 2006 and was designed to fund educational and job training for the country’s most vulnerable youth. Many YouthBuild participants have been in the juvenile justice system, have dropped out of high school, are aging out of the foster care system, or are otherwise at-risk of failing to reach key educational milestones. This new YouthBuild grant totals more than $80.3 million and will help an estimated 5,000 at-risk teenagers and young adults across 35 states.

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