Washington, DC – The Cypress Hills Local Development Center (LDC) will soon introduce a new education and job training program for Brooklyn youth, having received a $809,190 YouthBuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.  The funding supports the creation of a program that will provide youth with hands-on experience building affordable housing for local families.  The Cypress Hills LDC is one of only 183 groups across the country to receive this valuable award.  Rep. Nydia M. Velázquez (D-NY) applauded the Cypress Hills LDC for their success in expanding their offerings to the community by tapping into valuable federal resources.

“These funds are going to a dedicated organization that can provide Brooklyn youth with the education and employment skills they need to prepare for their futures.  The YouthBuild program builds up the community while helping these young adults achieve success,” Velázquez said.

The Cypress Hills LDC’s YouthBuild program, expected to begin in the coming months, will provide job training and educational opportunities for 60 at-risk youth, ages 16-24.  The participants will learn to construct and rehabilitate affordable housing in their own neighborhoods, while working to earn their GED or high school diploma. The Cypress Hill program will partner with Solar Energy Systems (SES), a renewable energy company specializing in the design and installation of solar electric or photovoltaic systems, to help participants develop specialized skills.  In addition, the Council of Carpenters will use Cypress Hills LDC as a referral source for the new Construction Trades certificate program at City Tech, which leads to union apprenticeships and future employment. 

“The Board of Directors and staff of the Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation are thrilled to be designated a YouthBuild grantee and to be given this opportunity to help young people train for the emerging green construction trades, gain their high school equivalency diplomas, connect with support services in their own neighborhood, and participate in the rebuilding of Cypress Hills and East New York.  We are extremely grateful to Congresswoman Velázquez for her national leadership in jump-starting the economy and bringing critical economic development initiatives home to her district,” said Michelle Neugebauer, Executive Director, Cypress Hills Local Development Corporation. 

Congresswoman Velázquez helps New York City organizations identify available grants and apply for federal assistance. Up-to-date information on grants is compiled and distributed monthly in her Grant Update. These reports are focused on grants that are most relevant to New York City non-profits, universities, community-based groups, faith-based organizations and small businesses. For more information about how your organization can benefit from federal grants, please visit: www.house.gov/velazquez/constituents/grants.html.