Thousands of high school dropouts in 35 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands will have a chance at a new start in life -- and a possible career in the construction trades -- thanks to $60 million in Youthbuild grants awarded by the Department on Monday.

"These grants provide young people a golden opportunity to break into the workforce," said Secretary Martinez. "Not only do they get the training and education necessary to launch them on a new path in life, but those communities where they work get the benefit of affordable homes."

HUD's Youthbuild Program provides young people between the ages of 16 and 24 with on-the-job training to acquire construction skills by building and renovating single-family homes and multi-family apartments. The homes are then sold at affordable prices to low- and very low-income persons as well as homeless individuals and families.

The grants will provide job training, leadership skills and academic schooling to about 3,700 low-income at-risk young people.

Youthbuild participants lack high school diplomas and necessary employment skills and have difficulty finding good jobs. The HUD grants will help these young men and women receive high school equivalency diplomas and provide training in homebuilding skills that will qualify them for careers in the building industry.

In addition to the HUD funds, the grants will generate about $51 million from other public and private sources. President Bush is requesting $65 million in Youthbuild funding in the fiscal year 2003 budget. Youthbuild grants totaling $365 million have been awarded since 1993.

View a list of the Youthbuild awards announced on Monday and read full descriptions of the individual awards.