SLATE Awarded $1.29 Million YouthBuild Grant to Expand Career Pathways for St. Louis Youth

The grant from the U.S. Department of Labor will help young people overcome barriers to education and employment.

July 23, 2026 | 2 min reading time

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) has been awarded a $1,285,628 YouthBuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to help young people overcome barriers to education and employment while preparing for family-sustaining careers in high-demand industries.

“We're proud to continue YouthBuild's legacy of transforming lives in the City of St. Louis. Since the program returned to our community in 2014, it has helped hundreds of young people build brighter futures. With this investment, participants earn wages and gain valuable skills while helping revitalize our neighborhoods through affordable housing projects. We are grateful to our partners whose collaboration made this award possible and whose shared commitment will continue to transform our community,” said SLATE Executive Director Connie Johnson. 

The award will support 60 youth ages 16 to 24 from the City of St. Louis and surrounding communities who are not currently enrolled in school, providing a pathway to education, career training, and long-term employment. Participants divide their time between earning a high school diploma or HiSET through a partnership with St. Louis Public Schools, receiving hands-on occupational skills training, and participating in leadership development and community service projects.

This funding expands career opportunities through a Construction Plus model. In partnership with Ranken Technical College, participants will earn industry-recognized construction credentials through the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER). Participants interested in transportation careers will also have the opportunity to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL-A) through one of SLATE's eligible training providers, preparing them for another in-demand career pathway.

“Construction is one of the most direct ways to see the difference you make with your own hands. This partnership matters because of what it gives young people: proof, every day, that they're building something that lasts, both on the job site and in their own future,” said Don Pohl, President of Ranken Technical College.

A new feature of this award is the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy throughout the construction curriculum. Participants will learn to use AI responsibly to explore careers, strengthen technical skills, critically evaluate information, and solve real-world construction challenges.

The program also connects participants with registered apprenticeship opportunities through partnerships with the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council and Apprenticeship Missouri. Following program completion, participants will receive 12 months of follow-up services, including career coaching, job placement assistance, transportation support, financial literacy education, leadership development, and other supportive services to help ensure long-term success.

YouthBuild is made possible through a strong network of community partners, including Ranken Technical College, St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), Universal Build LLC, the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, and Apprenticeship Missouri.

“To put it simply, this is a monumental win for the City of St. Louis,” said Mayor Cara Spencer. “We are empowering our youth, providing them with exciting career opportunities, and simultaneously bolstering the City’s workforce with highly-skilled professionals. I’m so grateful to SLATE, our community partners, and the U.S. Department of Labor for investing in our city."

Enrollment information for the next YouthBuild cohort will be announced soon. Information about eligibility, enrollment, and upcoming YouthBuild cohorts will be available at www.stlworks.com.

About SLATE Missouri Job Center

SLATE is the City of St. Louis government agency providing no-cost services to job seekers and businesses, including employment assistance, job training, and career advancement opportunities. Since 1975, SLATE has remained committed to developing a strong, inclusive workforce that supports economic growth throughout the city. For more information, visit www.stlworks.com or call (314) 589-8000.

Contact

Svetlana Bostick, Public Information Officer
(314) 657-3522
sbostick@stlworks.com

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