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NewsNBC 7 San Diego — Local NewsAugust 5, 2026San Diego

San Diego Workforce Partnership awards $4.22 million in grants to youth-serving organizations

The San Diego Workforce Partnership has awarded $4.22 million in federal grants to community organizations to provide job training, paid work experience, and career exploration for youth ages 14-24. The funding aims to address geographic gaps in services and support populations facing barriers to employment, such as justice-involved youth, English language learners, and those experiencing homelessness.

workforce developmentyouth employmentgrantsSan Diegoeducation
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Why It Matters

These grants provide direct funding to 160 community organizations to expand job training and career services for young people in underserved areas of San Diego County.

Key Facts

  • The San Diego Workforce Partnership awarded $4.22 million in grants to community organizations.
  • Funding is provided through the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
  • The program targets youth ages 14-24 facing barriers to education and employment.
  • Only one in three young people in the region are currently in the workforce.
  • The youth unemployment rate in South San Diego is 31%.
  • The high school graduation rate in East San Diego is 81%, below the 85% county average.
  • Grants were awarded to SBCS, San Diego State University Research Foundation, International Rescue Committee, and Climb Hire.
  • The selection process for the grants was competitive.

Who's Mentioned

organizationSBCS“Grant recipient focusing on South Bay youth.”personSean Elo-Rivera“San Diego City Councilman and SDWP policy board vice chair.”organizationSan Diego Workforce Partnership“The organization managing and distributing the federal grant funds.”organizationInternational Rescue Committee“Grant recipient focusing on Metro and East regions.”personRachel Bereza“President and CEO of the San Diego Workforce Partnership.”organizationClimb Hire“Grant recipient focusing on virtual services for LGBTQ+ youth.”organizationSan Diego State University Research Foundation“Grant recipient focusing on Metro and North regions.”