WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of nearly $20 million in grants to four national out-of-school time organizations to expand local work readiness programs and support workforce development activities among these organizations’ local affiliates. Out-of-School Time organizations operate supervised programs for youth when school is not in session.

Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the Workforce Pathways for Youth program expands job training and workforce activities for youth, including soft-skill development, career exploration, job readiness and certification, summer jobs, year-round job opportunities and apprenticeships in out-of-school time organizations nationwide. The program allows out-of-school time organizations to partner with local workforce boards and youth-serving organizations, bridging the gap between their existing activities and the need to expose youth to career-related services to better prepare them to enter the workforce.

“Workforce Pathways for Youth grants will bring together workforce development and out-of-school time organizations to prepare youth to transition and be successful in education and employment,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Suzi LeVine. “This initiative will provide young people with real-world work experiences to complement academic skills development and other methods of career readiness.”