The Recovery Act invested millions in new projects that are improving our infrastructue, repairing homes, and much more. But it also provided millions in direct benefits for families, students, businesses, investors, and more including more than $288 million in various forms of tax relief. Guidance on how to access each of those benefits is below.
Recovery Act Provisions:
- More than $82.8 million for youth employment services in Texas
- Emphasis on green education and careers
- Encourages development of summer employment and learning opportunities
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Workforce centers provide special vocational training, job placement, and educational programs to youth from low income households, especially those who are behind in school, have dropped out, have children of their own, have been in the foster system, are homeless, or have criminal records. These programs typically pair educational components such as GED classes and college credits with work projects like building affordable, green homes.
To find out more and apply for training or educational programs:
1) Find a provider near you
Regional workforce boards often have youth-centered programs that utilize WIA funds to provide free education and training. A list of workforce boards can be found here, and most of those sites have additional branches that may be more convenient. For example, the workforce board in Tarrant County has five locations in Ft. Worth, one in Mansfield, one in North Richland Hills, and one in Arlington.
In addition, there are seven organizations in Texas that are a part of the YouthBuild program, which offers comprehensive education, training, apprenticeships, and social services:
| Program Name | Phone Number |
|
1901 E. Ben White Bv Austin,TX 78741 |
(512)236-6100 |
|
HoustonWorks USA 2118 Smith Street Houston,TX 77002 |
(713)654-1919 |
|
La Fe YouthBuild Academy 52 S. Ochoa Street El Paso,TX 79901 |
(915)533-6800 |
|
New Waverly YouthBuild 143 Forest Service Rd. #233 New Waverly,TX 773580515 |
(936)344-6677 |
|
San Antonio Youth Centers C-Core 1215 W. Poplar Street P.O. Box 7844 San Antonio,TX 78207-0844 |
(210)223-3131 |
|
YouthBuild Brownsville 815 Arthur Street Brownsville,TX 78521 |
(956)548-2302 |
|
YouthBuild Dallas 2721 Loyola St Dallas,TX 75241 |
(214)372-4620 |
2) Contact a Career Counselor and ask about youth programs
Workforce centers and YouthBuild organizations can be reached by phone, email, or in person. Prospective participants will have to fill out an application and verify certain information. Don’t forget to mention any public benefits you receive, disabilities, or any other special circumstances.
