May 02, 2022

Manchin, Capito Announce Funding for Randolph County Housing Authority YouthBuild Program

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Joe Manchin (D-WV) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), both members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, today announced $1,198,500 for the Randolph County Housing Authority (RCHA). This funding, which is through the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) YouthBuild program, will help connect young adults with job training and educational opportunities in sought-after industries through apprenticeships and other career pathways.

“YouthBuild is a great program that promotes goals we strive to achieve in all of our communities—educational opportunities, career training and leadership initiatives – and it instills in our youth the perseverance and confidence needed to rise above challenging circumstances. I am pleased DOL is investing $1.1 million in the Randolph County Housing Authority to help ensure that every young West Virginian is prepared for a bright future. I look forward to seeing the positive impacts of this funding and as a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will continue advocating for resources to support educational and career advancement for young adults across the Mountain State,” Senator Manchin said.

“The YouthBuild program at RCHA has been described as a model program, connecting countless at-risk youth with educational and employment opportunities that otherwise would not have been available to them. I have personally mentioned the importance of this program to DOL Secretary Marty Walsh, and sent a letter of support specifically on behalf of RCHA to DOL’s Employment and Training Administration. I’m thrilled to see the department heed my request with today’s announcement of these funds,” Senator Capito said. “RCHA has successfully operated this program for nearly 30 years and continue to personally touch the lives of young adults in West Virginia. Ensuring RCHA receives the support it needs to thrive in the future will always be a priority.”

“We at RCHA are excited to be awarded this grant and want to thank all our supporters and partners who helped with this successful application. Workforce development is vital for the continued success of West Virginia, and we are eager to contribute to that effort,” said Graham Godwin, RCHA Executive Director.

YouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational opportunities for at-risk youth ages 16-24 who have previously dropped out of high school. Youth learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries that include health care, information technology, and hospitality. Youth also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods. YouthBuild includes significant support systems, such as a mentoring, follow-up education, employment, and personal counseling services; and participation in community service and civic engagement.

Learn more about the program here.