Cohen Announces Over $2 Million in Grants to Memphis Organizations from Department of Labor

[MEMPHIS, TN] –Today, Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) announced over $2 million in grants to Memphis have been awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor. The City of Memphis Youth Build Program will receive $1.1 million for workforce development programs and the Memphis Leadership Foundation will receive $1 million for programs to help juvenile offenders.

“These grants will strengthen our local economy by providing education and assistance to those who need them most,” said Congressman Cohen.

The Memphis YouthBuild program was awarded funds from the Department of Labor’s YouthBuild grant program. Memphis YouthBuild is a workforce and community development program that serves youths 16-24 years of age providing education and hands-on experience in the construction industry.

“Today’s youth will need academic and hands-on training in order to succeed in the workforce, especially in the construction industry,” said Congressman Cohen. “The YouthBuild program gives young people who come from diverse, challenging situations the vital tools to enter the workforce, attain gainful employment, and succeed.”

Memphis Leadership Foundation received funds from the Department of Labor’s Face Forward-Serving Juvenile Offenders Program. This grant program is designed to improve the long-term labor market prospects of court-involved youth prior to adjudication through expungement and diversion programs, mentoring and education.

“Citizens who have paid their debt to society through the juvenile justice system should not have to worry about their past mistakes impeding their future progress,” said Congressman Cohen. “With these funds the Memphis Leadership Foundation will work with young people who need extra help in finding the path to long-term, gainful employment.”

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