Bi-County Community Action Programs gets $190,000 for youth job training in Beltrami and Cass counties

BI-CAP received $190,000 for its Youthbuild program. This money will help over 600 young people across Minnesota get job training and finish school.
By Newsroom | Education, Employment |

Bi-County Community Action Programs (BI-CAP) has been awarded $190,000 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) to fund its Youthbuild program over two years. The grant, part of a statewide initiative totaling $1.9 million distributed among 12 organizations, aims to provide job training and supportive services to young people in Beltrami and Cass counties. These funds are earmarked for individuals at risk of not completing their high school education.

Grant Details and Program Focus

The DEED Youthbuild program specifically targets youth and young adults who face barriers to obtaining a high school diploma. The grants are designed to offer a comprehensive approach, encompassing construction job training, academic support, mentoring, case management, and assistance with future employment placement. DEED anticipates this funding will enable participating organizations to serve over 600 young people across Minnesota.

BI-CAP's Youthbuild Structure

Within BI-CAP’s framework, the Youthbuild program involves participants working four days a week. Participants receive a living stipend based on their hours of involvement, and are paid the state minimum wage. Cass Lake Bena ALC serves as the educational partner for BI-CAP's Youthbuild initiative, facilitating the academic component of the program.

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Wider Context of Youthbuild Grants

The $1.9 million in Youthbuild grants distributed by DEED is split evenly between organizations in the Twin Cities metro area and those in greater Minnesota. Other recipients in the Lakeland viewing area include the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency in Grand Rapids, which received $180,000. DEED Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development, Marc Majors, highlighted the program's impact, stating, "Youthbuild helps ensure young Minnesotans facing barriers to completing their high school education have the support they need to successfully earn a diploma and prepare for fulfilling employment."

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How much money did Bi-County Community Action Programs (BI-CAP) get for its Youthbuild program?
BI-CAP received $190,000 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). This money will fund the Youthbuild program for two years.
Q: Who will benefit from the BI-CAP Youthbuild program using the $190,000 grant?
The program is for young people in Beltrami and Cass counties who are at risk of not finishing high school. It helps them get job training and finish their education.
Q: What kind of training and support does the BI-CAP Youthbuild program offer?
Participants will get training in construction jobs, help with schoolwork, mentoring, and support for finding future jobs. They work four days a week and get paid a living stipend at the state minimum wage.
Q: What is the goal of the Youthbuild grants given by DEED across Minnesota?
DEED gave $1.9 million in total to 12 organizations to help young people who face challenges in finishing school and finding work. They expect to help over 600 young people statewide.