Sorensen Announces $1.5 Million for Youth Workforce Development in Northern Illinois

ROCKFORD, IL – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) is announcing $1.5 million for the Rockford Housing Authority to prepare young workers for jobs and strengthen the workforce in Northern Illinois.

“Our young people are our future, and it is critical they are prepared to join a strong workforce,” said Sorensen. “These tax dollars coming to my hometown of Rockford will train young people in the skills needed to take on stable jobs and invest in their communities. The training supported by this investment will set our young people up for success and will create a brighter future for all of Rockford!” 

Laura Snyder, CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority, expressed her enthusiasm, stating, “As the CEO of the Rockford Housing Authority, I am absolutely elated to announce our receipt of the Department of Labor (DOL) YouthBuild grant. This significant funding from DOL marks a pivotal advancement in our mission to empower the youth of Northern Illinois. We are poised to amplify our initiatives through our partnership with William Chatman, CEO of Comprehensive Community Solutions and YouthBuild Rockford. His proven expertise and unwavering commitment, along with the history of YouthBuild Rockford, will be instrumental in expanding the reach and deepening the impact of YouthBuild in our community. We appreciate the support from Congressman Eric Sorensen's office and look forward to making a substantial, positive difference in the lives of many young individuals. Together, we are committed to forging new pathways for our youth, through the power of partnership." 

The $1.5 million YouthBuild grant was awarded by the Department of Labor (DOL) through its Employment and Training Administration. This funding will allow the Rockford Housing Authority to provide education and training opportunities to young people, ages 16-24, who are neither enrolled in school nor in the labor market, for jobs in construction and other high-demand industries.

In partnership with Rockford-based Comprehensive Community Solutions, Inc., this award will enable young people to build or rehabilitate affordable housing in Northern Illinois communities for those in need and prepare them to enter the workforce.

This award to Rockford Housing Authority is part of $98 million in YouthBuild grants awarded to 72 recipients across the country. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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