Youth Job Training

The Kansas CDBG program is offering funding to support job training for youth to address the shortage of skilled trades, fill jobs across the state, retain youth in Kansas, and keep them engaged in communities. The program aims to help young people stay in school through graduation, pursue postsecondary education, and secure quality entry-level jobs leading to career opportunities. Priority is given to programs assisting job training in high-demand industries. Eligible activities include screening, training, internships, and job coaching. The maximum grant is $500,000, with a 10 percent funding match required. Applications are due by September 30, 2024. Qualifying Projects This program addresses the need to support youth (ages 12-19) in workforce training and engagement. Eligible expenses include: Screening and skills assessment of participants. Training, instruction, and certification of participants. Software and instructional materials for training and educational purposes (acquired through procurement procedures defined by KDC). Tuition, books, supplies, and other materials necessary for participants to complete their training. Administration costs for grant funds. Salaries for staff running these programs. Selection Criteria Grant applications are evaluated for funding based on project need, readiness, impact, sustainability and matching funds source and availability. Priority will be given to programs that assist job training in industries highlighted in the Framework for Growth. Priority should also be given to youth training in trades or employment sectors that are in high demand within your community. Key considerations include: Public service employment training – including assistance to increase self-sufficiency, literacy, resume writing, job coaching or training students in a particular field or skill when there is no tie to a specific position or business. At least 51% of all program participants must meet LMI (low- to moderate-income) requirements – which is at or below 80% of the Average Median Income for the county in which the family resides. Communities who have not been awarded a CDBG Grant in the annual competition within the last five years in Housing, Community Facilities, or Water and Sewer will receive 10 bonus points on their application rating. 10 bonus points will be awarded if at least 10% of local match comes from other private sources such as foundations (not bonds or state and federal agencies). Download grant guidelines for more information on program requirements.