Job Program to Target Dropouts in Watts
Los Angeles will receive $3 million in federal funds for a pilot job-training program targeting high school dropouts in Watts, U.S. Labor Secretary Robert Riech announced Thursday.
“High school dropouts are considered high risk for crime and delinquency,” Mayor Richard Riordan said in a written statement. “Taking action to steer them in the right direction early will increase the likelihood that young Angelenos will have a fighting chance to become successful, contributing adults.”
The federal grant would be used for training, matched by $4.3 million in other public- and private-sector funds, to create 700 jobs. Unemployment among Watts youth is estimated at 55%, and the federal grant aims to lower that to 20%, according to the mayor’s office.
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