The Aurora-based Quad County Urban League will get an almost $1.5 million job training and educational services grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
U.S. Rep. Bill Foster, D-Naperville, and U.S. Sens. Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth, both D-Illinois, announced the grant Thursday.
It was part of an overall $98 million in grants to 72 organizations in 30 states and Guam as part of the Labor Department’s YouthBuild program, a community-based program that provides job training and educational services for 16- to 24-year-olds who left school without a high school diploma.
“Building stronger communities starts with expanding opportunities for young people to strengthen their skills and get the training they need to acquire good-paying jobs in high-demand industries like construction, manufacturing and information technology,” said Foster. “For decades, Quad County Urban League has been the first step on the ladder for so many local young adults to begin a meaningful career in today’s workforce, and I’m thrilled that their important work will be supported by this YouthBuild grant.”
Theodora Gillespie, president and CEO of the Quad County Urban League, said the organization is “extremely grateful to be a recipient” of the grant.
She said it helps carry out the organization’s mission of “empowering young people between the ages of 16 and 24 for transformative change within their families and communities.”
“We’re grateful for the support of our elected officials for the work we do, and we remain committed to promoting access and equity for marginalized communities as part of our core values,” she said.
Durbin said the money will help the Urban League “provide a lifeline to those who may have fallen through the cracks of our education system, offering them a pathway to success and fulfillment.”
slord@tribpub.com
