This is a youth career preparation program designed to assist youth in gaining employment.

Through the Edward Byrne Memorial Congressionally Recommended Awards program, the Office of Justice Programs helps communities improve the capacity of local justice systems and supports training and technical assistance programs and other efforts that strategically target local needs. This program is authorized to organizations identified in the Text and Joint Explanatory Statement, Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009.

The Lorain County Urban League in an effort to engage the most challenged of youth has developed a program to re-connect 'high-risk,' out-of-school or adjudicated young people with educational and employment opportunities. The Urban Youth Empowerment Program (UYEP) is a youth career preparation program rooted in work and educational activities. Our partnership with faith and community based organizations will establish the initial work and non traditional educational environments while providing advocates to youth. The underlying expectation is that exposure to career and educational opportunities in a non traditional manner will spark a desire for knowledge and employment. This will in turn lower the poverty rate by increasing the number of youth who are more self-sufficient. Goals would be measured by the number of individuals who obtained at G.E.D. or high school diploma; the number of individuals who are enrolled in educational/occupational program of study; who maintained employment; maintained enrollment in military; encountered no new convictions; and who have achieved a 1 year grade level gain in reading and math.

NCA/NCF