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BEMIDJI 鈥� U.S. Sen. Tina Smith recently announced a $1.2 million grant awarded to the Bi-County Community Action Program, or BI-CAP, based in Bemidji.

With funds from the U.S. Department of Labor, the grant will support training and employment services critical for preparing young people to secure well-paying jobs in high-demand industries.

The grant was provided by the Department鈥檚 which prioritizes proposals that align training with local infrastructure projects funded by the Biden-Harris administration鈥檚 a release said.

YouthBuild participants will divide their time between classroom instruction 鈥� where they can earn a high school diploma or equivalency degree 鈥� and workplace training to prepare for postsecondary occupations. The grants will also enable young people to train for careers in healthcare, information technology, manufacturing and logistics, culinary arts and hospitality.

鈥淏y expanding access to pre-apprenticeship programs like YouthBuild, we are ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive and contribute to their communities,鈥� Smith said in the release. 鈥淭his federal funding will boost BI-CAP鈥檚 ability to support young people, workers and drive economic growth across Beltrami and Cass Counties.鈥�

BI-CAP was established in 1966 as part of the national war on poverty and is one of approximately 1,000 community action programs across the country that make up the service delivery arm of the federal Office of Community Services.

BI-CAP serves Beltrami and Cass counties with programs in early childhood education, housing, weatherization, energy assistance and youth education/employment services.

More information can be found at