STRIVE, a New York City-based organization with 21 affiliates throughout the United States, was recently awarded a three-year, $5 million grant from the United States Department of Labor for a new, nationwide initiative called STRIVE for the Future.
The program is centered on providing services and assistance to formerly incarcerated youth, with the grant expected to benefit about 400 teens.
A recent press release from the organization said the initiative will focus on juveniles ages 14 and older who primarily come from high-poverty and high-crime communities and were involved in the juvenile justice system, but not the adult criminal system, within the last 12 months.
The organization says it will provide numerous tools and services such as career development assistance and various forms of training and education for at-risk youth.
Additionally, STRIVE plans on developing several community service projects, as well as mentoring and violence reduction programs, as part of the STRIVE for the Future initiative, with all 21 affiliates having the opportunity to apply for local community services.
East Harlem Employment Services, Inc., STRIVE’s parent organization, was one of 25 community-based organizations recently allotted grant money by the Department of Labor earlier this month. The Department of Labor handed out $50 million in funding to organizations across the country that provide job training and support services to youth that have been involved in the nation’s juvenile justice system.
"The federal grants announced today will help vulnerable youth receive the training and support they need to gain valuable job skills and improve their long-term employment prospects,” said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis in an official announcement issued last week.
"These young people deserve a chance to turn their lives around,” she said.
Photo courtesy STRIVE