WASHINGTON — Senator Johnny Isakson announced today the award of approximately $1.1 million to Southwest Georgia United Empowerment Zone (EZ) to provide education and training to young people in Dooly and Crisp Counties.

This grant will be administered over a three year period and beginning in year two, the award will be pending the availability of additional funding.

Kenneth Cutts, district director for the office of Congressman Sanford Bishop says, “YouthBuild gives young people an opportunity to get involved in the community. It teaches skills, the value of hard work, and character.

“It is a great program and the Congressman (Sanford Bishop) is happy about the funding because it is a significant investment in our young people and the future of the country.”

Participants in YouthBuild programs are at-risk youth ages 16-24 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, these young people develop leadership skills and participate in community service opportunities. Many YouthBuild participants are learning "green" building techniques, assisting with retrofitting existing homes, and discovering how to help make their communities sustainable and environmentally friendly.

While acquiring leadership skills and participating in community service, at-risk youth build and renovate affordable housing within their communities.

YouthBuild participants split their time between the construction site and the classroom, where they earn their GED or high school diploma, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for college and other postsecondary training opportunities

Organizations chosen for YouthBuild funding include workforce investment boards, faith-based and community groups, and local and nonprofit housing development agencies.

Southwest Georgia United will partner with LEARNetwork, Cordele Housing Authority, Cordele-Crisp Chamber of Commerce, Crisp County Board of Education, Dooly County Board of Education, Division of Family and Children Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Labor Cordele Career Center, and South Georgia Technical College to accomplish the goals of the program.

Al Shauf, executive director of Crisp Area Habitat for Humanity, says, “we have worked with YouthBuild on several occasions, three for sure. In fact, YouthBuild was the primary builder on at least one of our housing projects. (YouthBuild) is an outstanding program. We appreciate their support on the Coney house, and urge that their funding continue.”

The local award is expected to assist 62 participants in gaining at least one grade level in literacy and numeracy; attain a high school diploma, GED, NCCER, and/or Work Ready certification.

Ninety percent (55) of the participants will be placed in employment, post-secondary education, occupational skills training, and four affordable housing units will be built or renovated.