Workforce Development Training for Youth from At Risk Communities

The Congressionally Selected Awards Program, authorized by the Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 (Pub. L. 111-8), helps improve the functioning of the criminal justice system, prevent or combat juvenile delinquency, and/or assist victims of crime (other than compensation). Funds should be used for the projects selected by Congress, in the amounts specified in the joint explanatory statement incorporated by reference into Pub. L. 111-8, and generally consistent with one or more of the following statutory purposes: improving the functioning of the criminal justice system, preventing or combating juvenile delinquency, or assisting victims of crime (other than compensation). Each of these purposes is framed using language drawn, respectively, from the former Byrne discretionary statute, the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, the Victims of Crime Act, and the Violence Against Women Act. This project is authorized and funded through a line item in the FY 09 Congressional Budget and by the joint explanatory statement that is incorporated by reference into the FY09 Omnibus Appropriations Act.

Reconcile New Orleans, Inc. will use the FY 2009 Congressionally Selected Award for their workforce project to provide at-risk youth with the skills for successful entry into the hospitality and construction industries. Reconcile New Orleans is a nonprofit organization providing youth from at-risk communities with opportunities, services, and support needed to learn life, interpersonal, and work skills through its youth workforce development process. The newly added construction program will use a hands-on mentoring model and provides students with building and construction skills on actual job sites. Students for the construction and culinary programs will be educated in success strategies for the workplace and receive referrals for additional support and counseling programs, permanent jobs, career placement, and further training in the trade. The addition of the construction program addresses New Orleans' need for jobs for low-income residents and Central City's need for community revitalization and business development. Students agree that the program is a positive tool that allows inner city youth the chance to grow, learn a good work ethic, a healthy way of living, and builds confidence. Grant funds will be used for personnel costs, supplies, and other costs necessary for the implementation of the project.

NCA/NCF