Phoenix Rising program awarded YouthBuild grant

Members of the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild team help raise a wall in Silver Springs Shores on Sept. 10, 2020. [File photo by Bruce Ackerman]

The local Phoenix Rising YouthBuild program has received its fifth federally funded grant to deliver job training and employment services to underserved young adults.

CareerSource Citrus Levy Marion recently received $1,058,208 as part of $99.3 million in YouthBuild grants awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration to 71 organizations in 31 states.

Phoenix Rising YouthBuild is an alternative education, community-based program that helps revitalize economically challenged neighborhoods while making a positive difference in the lives of 18- to 24-year-olds. This is the fifth consecutive grant obtained since 2013 by CareerSource CLM in support of the Phoenix Rising YouthBuild. To date, the program has received more than $6 million in YouthBuild funding, the news release noted.

Through the 20-week program, students split time between workplace training and the classroom, where they can earn a high school diploma, learn to be community leaders and prepare for post-secondary training opportunities including college, apprenticeships and employment. The program includes support systems such as mentoring, follow-up education, employment and counseling services as well as civic engagement and participation in community service projects.

A key feature of Phoenix Rising YouthBuild involves construction of homes for families in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of Marion County. The new grant will serve 48 young adults over 24 months, resulting in the construction of four homes. To date, more than 225 students have taken part in Phoenix Rising programs in Marion and Citrus counties, completing construction of 32 homes.

The next round of Phoenix Rising YouthBuild projects is set to begin soon. Those interested in applying or learning more can call (352) 732-1700, ext. 2293, or (800) 434-JOBS, ext. 2293.