Growth Opportunities

Through the Growth Opportunities grant program, the Department will introduce and prepare justice-involved youth and young adults for the world of work through placement into paid work experiences. These grants focus on youth and young adults most impacted by community violence, particularly in areas of concentrated crime and poverty as well as communities that have recently experienced significant unrest. This program contributes to the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence and other violent crime, in part, with preventative measures that are proven to reduce violent crime and support public safety and community well-being. The goals of the grant are to: help youth and young adults to increase their conflict resolution skills and develop strategies to prevent and avoid violence; introduce and prepare youth for the world of work; help youth identify career interests, attain relevant skills and gain work experience; and provide income to youth, to start them on the path of earning living wages and obtaining high quality jobs and careers.