Mt Airy-Based Youth Career Group Gets $200K Grant

MT. AIRY, PHILADELPHIA – A Mt. Airy-based group that provides construction training and entrepreneurial learning for young men and women in under-resourced Philadelphia communities as tangible pathways into skilled trade opportunities, while developing civic responsibility got a sizable grant to continue its mission recently.

State Rep. Chris Rabb, D-Phila., announced Monday that Trades for a Difference was awarded a $200,000 state education grant.

"I'm pleased to announce this grant for an organization that's already made a difference in East Mt. Airy by converting a former nuisance bar into a community learning hub, for example," Rabb said.

"The goal of Trades for a Difference’s project is to prepare today’s youth for careers in the building trades so they can land family-sustaining jobs. Through a unique combination of hands-on experiences, technology-based learning, strength training and safety instruction, mentees will learn about employment in the construction industry. They will be poised to gain entry-level construction jobs, enter union apprenticeship programs or seek additional education in for-profit trade schools. In addition to these vocational goals, mentees will be able to learn about building personal wealth, creating stronger family relationships and the use of technology in construction."

Rabb also recently announced a $200,000 state grant to the Welcoming Center for New Pennsylvanians for entrepreneurial training and development opportunities in areas of greatest need within the Mt. Airy and West Oak Lane neighborhoods.

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