LA Conservation Corps Selected as Grant Recipient of 2016 Youth Opportunity Fund to Connect Low-Income Youth in Los Angeles to Career Opportunities

Los Angeles, CA, August 17, 2016 (Newswire.com) - ​The Citi Foundation and America’s Promise Alliance  announced that the LA Conservation Corps has been awarded a grant from the 2016 Youth Opportunity Fund, an initiative that supports programs that connect youth to opportunities that increase their employability and prepare them to compete and thrive in a 21st century economy. 

Now in its second year, the Youth Opportunity Fund is part of the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative, and supports organizations that empower urban youth, ages 16 to 24. The Fund focuses on nonprofits in 10 of the largest U.S. cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Newark, St. Louis, San Francisco Bay Area and Washington, D.C.  

The LA Conservation Corps is one of 12 organizations selected in 2016 to receive a one-year, $250,000 grant to help young people receive paid work experience, specialized job skills training, industry-recognized certifications, as well as supportive and transition services.

“This grant will allow us to connect hundreds more young people to 21st century careers,” said Wendy Butts, Chief Executive Officer at the LA Conservation Corps. “First-hand, real world job training and experience in one of Los Angeles’ growing industries will have a significant impact on the lives of our young people and contribute to the vitality of our city and its economy.”

"We are grateful that the Los Angeles Conservation Corps Corpsmembers have protected, restored, and maintained our city's beautiful natural landscape for 30 years," said Mayor Eric Garcetti. "The Corps helps at-risk young men and women earn a high school diploma and get a good job while exploring their passion for conservation. These are the future stewards of Los Angeles, and they are getting an education they won't find anywhere else."

The Youth Opportunity Fund supports programs that address youth unemployment through partnerships with select municipal governments and collaborations across industries, including IT, technology, healthcare, the service industry and environmental sustainability.

The 2016 cohort will add opportunities in construction, clean technology and communications. To date, 24 organizations have received support, reaching more than 7,000 youth.

“Since we launched the Youth Opportunity Fund, grantees have demonstrated what it takes to give young people the chance to unlock their full career and economic potential,” said Brandee McHale, president of the Citi Foundation. “We are excited to support the innovative work of this new cohort of community partners and look forward to promoting their learnings and success.”

“Students who earn a high school diploma have a greater chance of becoming employed, but without the right skills and connections, better job opportunities may be out of reach,” said John Gomperts, president & CEO of America’s Promise. “The Youth Opportunity Fund helps to even the odds by giving more young people the training and support they need to get on a path to adult success.”

In its first two years, over 70,000 young people have been impacted by the Citi Foundation’s Pathways to Progress initiative, a three-year, $50 million commitment to give 100,000 low-income youth in the U.S. the opportunity to develop workplace skills and leadership experience.

To learn more about the Youth Opportunity Fund and see a full list of 2016 grantees, visit: http://www.americaspromise.org/program/youth-opportunity-fund

Source: LA Conservation Corps