What happened? The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) was awarded a $1,285,628 YouthBuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Who benefits? Sixty young adults ages 16–24 in St. Louis who are not currently in school.
What do participants get? Paid hands-on construction and transportation training (CDL-A), high school equivalency diplomas, artificial intelligence literacy, and 12 months of career mentorship.
ST. LOUIS, MO — In a major win for local workforce development, the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) has secured a $1,285,628 YouthBuild grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Designed to empower young adults facing obstacles to education and stable employment, this funding will provide 60 local youth with paid, hands-on training, recognized credentials, and a direct path toward high-demand, family-sustaining careers.
What is the YouthBuild Program?
Targeting youth ages 16 to 24 across the City of St. Louis and neighboring areas who are not currently in school, the YouthBuild initiative blends academic growth with real-world workforce experience. Participants earn wages as they split their time between:
- High School Equivalency: Earning a traditional diploma or HiSET through a partnership with St. Louis Public Schools.
- On-the-Job Vocational Training: Constructing affordable housing projects to help revitalize local neighborhoods.
- Leadership & Community Service: Developing soft skills, financial literacy, and civic engagement.
“With this investment, participants earn wages and gain valuable skills while helping revitalize our neighborhoods through affordable housing projects.”
— Connie Johnson, Executive Director of SLATE
What’s New: AI Literacy and High-Demand Pathways
This cohort expands career access through an upgraded Construction Plus model. Through a collaboration with Ranken Technical College, trainees will earn industry-recognized certifications from the National Center for Construction Education and Research (NCCER).
For youth interested in logistics and heavy transport, the program also offers a pathway to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL-A).
Modern Tools for a Modern Workforce
A standout feature of this new funding grant is the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy directly into the construction curriculum. Participants will learn how to responsibly use AI tools to:
- Explore technical career trajectories.
- Troubleshoot and solve real-world trade challenges on the job site.
- Critically analyze project information and strengthen technical problem-solving.
Program At-a-Glance
| Feature | Details |
| Funding Source | U.S. Department of Labor ($1,285,628) |
| Target Audience | Out-of-school youth aged 16–24 in St. Louis & surrounding areas |
| Cohort Capacity | 60 participants |
| Key Credentials | High School Diploma/HiSET, NCCER Construction, CDL-A Commercial Drivers |
| Core Partners | Ranken Technical College, SLPS, Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council, Apprenticeship Missouri |
| Post-Program Support | 12 months of mentorship, job placement, and transportation support |
Long-Term Impact & Community Partnerships
Beyond immediate classroom and site work, participants receive 12 months of follow-up support after completing the program. This safety net includes career coaching, job placement assistance, financial literacy instruction, and ongoing transportation aid.
Furthermore, partnerships with groups like the Mid-America Carpenters Regional Council and Apprenticeship Missouri mean graduates have direct lines into union-registered apprenticeship programs.
“This partnership matters because of what it gives young people: proof, every day, that they’re building something that lasts, both on the job site and in their own future.”
— Don Pohl, President of Ranken Technical College
Mayor Cara Spencer echoed the sentiment, calling the award a “monumental win” that simultaneously lifts up local youth while bolstering the city’s skilled labor supply.
How to Get Involved
Enrollment details for the upcoming YouthBuild cohort will be released shortly. To check eligibility, explore training services, or learn more about upcoming classes:
- Website: Visit www.stlworks.com
- Phone: Contact SLATE directly at (314) 589-8000
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