"2023 Mississippi Youthbuild Pilot Program Act"; create with programs at Coahoma and Jones County Community Colleges.
This pilot program intends to provide participants with essential job skills training, personal counseling, and opportunities for employment through practical experience in constructing or rehabilitating housing for special needs populations and low-income households. By engaging youth in community service, the program aims to foster neighborhood stability and address urgent community needs, such as the demand for affordable housing. The bill also outlines eligibility criteria, allowing for up to 25% of program participants to include individuals who may have completed high school but require additional support.
House Bill 1462, known as the 2023 Mississippi YouthBuild Pilot Program Act, establishes a YouthBuild program aimed at assisting economically disadvantaged youth in the state. The program is set to be initiated at Coahoma Community College and Jones County Junior College, targeting low-income young adults, especially those who have not completed high school. The initiative focuses on providing education, vocational training, and job placement assistance, alongside leadership development and community service opportunities.
While there is broad support for the goals of the YouthBuild program, potential contention may arise over funding and resource allocation. Each participating college must apply for grant funding from the U.S. Department of Labor, with the Mississippi Department of Human Services responsible for matching funds. Variables influencing the success of the program may include the availability of adequate funding, community involvement in participant recruitment, and the coordination of existing local services to support the initiative. Furthermore, a report summarizing the YouthBuild program's outcomes is mandated to be submitted to the legislature by January 1, 2026, which will help in assessing its feasibility and effectiveness.