In the News

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - The YWCA of western Massachusetts is being awarded a $1.1 million grant for its YouthBuild program.

Congressman Richard Neal will be in Springfield Tuesday to jointly announce the awarding of the grant alongside members of the YWCA.

According to a news release sent to 22News by YWCA, the grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will be used to expand the YouthBuild program.

The program, which currently serve 30 youths, is a workforce development program for people 17-24 who have dropped out of high school and come across barriers to an education. 

For those unable to graduate from the public school system, the program provides trade skills or vocational training. Such training can lead to employment or a skill that will help participants be sustained financially.

The program also provides participants with help studying for the High School Equivalency Test and the pre-apprenticeship certification training from the Home Builders institute.