Building Career Pathways Capacity in Connecticut
GrantID: 8869
Grant Funding Amount Low: $400,000
Deadline: Ongoing
Grant Amount High: $950,000
Summary
Grant Overview
Building Career Pathways for Youth in Connecticut
In Connecticut, the disparity between job opportunities and youth readiness is a growing concern. The state’s workforce development initiatives indicate that youth unemployment rates remain significantly higher among historically marginalized communities. In fact, data from the Connecticut Department of Labor shows that youth aged 16-24 in urban areas face an unemployment rate nearly double that of their suburban counterparts.
Local young people facing these barriers often include high school and college students who lack access to career development resources or job readiness training. Many of these individuals come from low-income households or have limited exposure to professional environments, which contributes to their challenges in entering the workforce. This gap not only affects individual futures but also impacts the state's economic growth potential, as it creates a mismatch between job openings and qualified candidates.
The initiative funded by this grant aims to create a series of career fairs throughout Connecticut specifically designed for youth. These events will provide critical networking opportunities, expose students to potential employers, and allow organizations to align workforce development efforts with local industry needs. The funds will support the design and execution of these fairs, as well as associated workshops focusing on resume building, interview skills, and professional etiquette.
Beyond just helping youth find jobs, this initiative will address the broader economic context of Connecticut, where a skilled workforce is essential for attracting and retaining businesses. By integrating these career fairs into existing educational structures, the initiative seeks to ensure that young people are not just ready for jobs, but are also aware of the diverse career pathways available to them in Connecticut’s robust economy.
Successful implementation of this initiative will yield not only improved job readiness for participants but will also pave the way for sustained economic development through a more prepared workforce. Thus, the funding directly contributes to addressing the skill mismatch affecting Connecticut’s economy while providing invaluable resources for young individuals navigating their career pathways.
Eligible Regions
Interests
Eligible Requirements
