The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded the city Department of Community Services a two-year, $1.1 million grant to continue its YouthBuild program.

YouthBuild participants are at-risk young people ages 16 to 24. They receive education and job training while constructing or repairing housing for low-income families in their neighborhoods.

Mayor Mufi Hannemann said in a news release: "The YouthBuild program is an excellent example of the benefits of public-private partnerships, in this case to give our young people a guiding hand and an alternative that will not only enable them to graduate from high school but pick up a trade and on-the-job experience.

"I've seen examples of the work of these young people, such as in completing much-needed repairs to park facilities, and can attest to the skill and enthusiasm they bring to the program. This money will enable us to build on the success we've enjoyed so far."

YouthBuild works in partnership with public and private entities such as Farrington Community School, Hawaii Laborers' Union, Hawaii Public Housing Authority, Oahu Work Links, Self-Help Housing Corporation of Hawaii, and Windward Community College.

Students split their time between construction and the classroom. Windward Community College will offer students "integrated academics" to complement construction training by teaching students to apply math and language to construction tasks.

YouthBuild's goal is to have the youth earn their GED or high school diploma, learn to be community leaders, and prepare for college and employment.