Jeff Bingaman United States Senator from New Mexico

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Jeff Bingaman today announced that two New Mexico organizations will receive federal grants to prepare young people for the workforce.

The grants, which come from the U.S. Department of Labor, will be awarded as follows:

• $935,454 -- YouthWorks in Santa Fe, NM
• $720,000 -- HELP – New Mexico, Inc. in Albuquerque, NM

"The young people of our state have a lot to contribute to our economy.  This grant funding will invest in New Mexico by investing in its young people and preparing them for good jobs," Bingaman said.

The grant comes from DOL's YouthBuild program, which assists out-of-school youths in obtaining their diplomas or GED's, while preparing them for training in the construction industry.  YouthBuild participants include individuals who have been in the juvenile justice system, youth aging out of foster care, high school dropouts and others. In addition to receiving academic and occupational skills training, young people develop leadership skills and participate in community service opportunities.