St. Paul – Today, the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced $950,000 in funding from DEED's Youth Support Services program for 12 organizations around the state. The grants are anticipated to serve 885 young people in the 2024 fiscal year.

"DEED's Youth Support Services grants set young Minnesotans up for success," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "Giving young people equal access to job training and additional resources is one way we can ensure Minnesota's economy continues to thrive in the future."

The Youth Support Services program provides grants to organizations that offer support services for individuals from low-income communities, young adults from families with a history of intergenerational poverty and/or communities of color.

Eligible applicants include local government units, nonprofit/community-based organizations, community action agencies and public school districts. Organizations must serve individuals from the eligible populations in one or more of the following areas: job training; employment preparation; internships; job assistance to parents; financial literacy; academic and behavioral interventions for low-performing students; or youth intervention activities.

This year, approximately 59% of the Youth Support Services funds were allocated to projects in the Twin Cities metro area, about 33% allocated to Greater Minnesota and 8% were allocated to projects serving areas in both the Twin Cities metro and Greater Minnesota. Seven of the projects are new Youth Support Services grantees.

Details on the organizations are below: