Youth Opportunity (YO!) Baltimore Highlights Success with Baltimore City Support
Comprehensive program for out-of-school youth continues strong outreach after end of federal grant

What: The Mayor’s Office of Employment Development, Youth Opportunity Division will host an event to celebrate the achievements of its out-of-school participants and the continuing program successes in vital areas. 

When: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at 8:00 a.m. 

Where: YO! Westside Center
             1510 W. Lafayette Avenue (Gilmor Street entrance)
             Baltimore, MD 21217
             410-545-6953

Background: After seven years of operation, and the end of the multi-million-dollar Youth Opportunity Grant in 2006, Baltimore City rallied to sustain the highly successful Baltimore Youth Opportunity program. This event will highlight the continuing successes, which resulted in out-of-school youth earning increased wages, educational accreditation, and reductions in repeat criminal offenses. Nine YO! program alumni will be receiving Alumni ON THE MOVE Awards and will have their successful stories featured. At this event an updated Changing Minds Changing Livesreport will be released, which documents positive program results.

YO! Baltimore was created to address the growing challenge of youth leaving school before earning their diplomas. According to the most recent census data, there are approximately 20,000 young adults in Baltimore City who are out-of-school, unemployed or under-employed, unable to earn a living wage. They lack the educational credentials and career skills needed to support themselves and their young families. With funding from the United States Department of Labor, the Mayor’s Office of Employment Development launched the Baltimore Youth Opportunity Movement to serve out-of-school youth in 2000.