Letter to the Hon. Alexander Acosta, Secretary of Labor - Pushing for Federal Funding for Disadvantaged Youths in Western New York

Letter

Secretary Acosta:

I write today in support of The Service Collaborative of WNY, Inc (TSC) in their application for $1,100,000 through the U.S. Department of Labor Youth Build program. TSC administers Western New York Youth Build (WNYYB), connecting disadvantaged youth with educational and employment opportunities. If awarded this critical funding, TSC will recruit and serve 64 students from across the city, specifically targeting the highest need service areas on the East, West, and South sides of Buffalo. In these areas, over 30% of individuals are living in poverty, over 20% of 16-24 year-old individuals are unemployed, and there is a graduation rate of just 57.9%.

WNNYB was developed in 2009 and has served more than 246 young Western New Yorkers over the past eight years. The program continues to evolve based on continuous input of local employers, educators, and community leaders. Through a comprehensive, project-based learning approach, WNYYB removes barriers for disadvantaged youth, providing occupational training, leadership development, career exploration, post-program support, and assistance with obtaining a high school diploma or GED.

WNYYB has had longstanding success in developing relationships with local employers in both the public and private sectors. There are over 30 industry partners committed to this proposal to provide career exploration and placement opportunities. Additionally, WNYYB has secured a matching grants of $275,000 and $1,121,443 from partnering agencies.

For these reasons, I offer my full support of The Service Collaborative of WNY and the Western New York Youth Build Program. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact my office.

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