U.S. Department of Labor Awards Major Grant as Part of Workforce Innovation Fund's Innovative "Pay for Success" Program

 

SEP 24, 2013

WASHINGTON, DC United States Senator Elizabeth Warren and Senator Edward J. Markey today announced that the United States Department of Labor (DOL) has awarded the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) a major $11.67 million from its Workforce Innovation Fund. The grant is part of the Pay for Success program, which provides funding for programs that achieve measurable outcomes of success. It will support a project aimed at increasing employment and reducing recidivism for young men leaving the state's juvenile justice system.

 

"This grant is exciting news for Massachusetts. It will help strengthen the Commonwealth's juvenile justice system by helping young men at risk for reincarceration build the skills they need to succeed," said Senator Warren. "This program is a great example of how the federal government can use innovative publicprivate partnerships to support critical social services in our communities."

 

"These funds will help keep young men and women in the workforce, out of detention facilities, and on a path towards success," said Senator Markey. "If we can cut costs to society as we help form better members of society, that is an effort worth all of our support."

 

The Massachusetts Juvenile Employment and Recidivism Initiative will serve 535 young men ages 16-22 in Chelsea and Springfield who are leaving the state's juvenile justice program. This initiative will provide education and prevocational training with the goal of increasing employment rates and reducing recidivism.   The program has specific, measurable outcomes it must achieve to continue receiving funding.  More information on the Workforce Innovation Fund and Pay for Success is available on DOL's website.