Pittsburgh Minority Youth Employment Connections Center Project

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.

The Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation will establish a Connections Center to forge collaborative partnerships among community-based organizations that provide employment assistance, workforce development, and job readiness services. They will enhance the ability of private sector organizations to recruit and develop a more diverse qualified workforce in construction, alternative energy technologies, and related sectors of the regional economy. The Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation will increase their focus on five of Pittsburgh's neighborhoods whose residents have endured high percentages of unemployment for decades. They will generate economies of scale in the development of resources to sustain job creation efforts beyond this project period. The Pittsburgh Gateways Corporation will develop the center location, office, databases, and management team. They will also implement five demonstration workshops, and place a African American youth in pre-apprentice training programs or custom job training programs.

NCA/NCF