Labor grants to help young parents

WASHINGTON, June 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Labor Department announced the availability of nearly $10 million in grants to help provide young parents with employment and training opportunities.

"Today's funding will help young parents support their families by offering training and education opportunities that lead to jobs," Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said Tuesday in a news release. "These programs will pay dividends today and in the near future as young parents gain the education and skills they need to become financially self-sufficient and then pass these successes on to their children."

The 13 grants totaling $9.89 million will fund nationwide demonstration projects designed to provide educational and occupational skills training to their participants, including mothers, fathers and expectant mothers ages 16 to 24.

Several projects funded Tuesday will serve people involved in the court, child welfare or foster care systems, are homeless or have been child abuse victims, the department said.

Besides offering education and training, the projects will offer resources such as mentoring, case management and supportive services to help reduce barriers to education and employment, Solis said.