Even so, we know that there are still some who are not participating in the record economic expansion. For many reasons, they lack the schooling, they lack the skills or they lack the opportunity. But they do not lack the desire for a better life and full participation in America's promise. The 110 Youth Corps organizations around the country deserve high praise for helping those Americans who have been left out of good times to obtain new knowledge and skills that will help them enter the job market. Since our first involvement in the Urban Youth Corps program in 1994, the Department of Transportation has found that it benefits everyone involved.
Participants learn new skills and gain valuable experience.
The community is better for their efforts. Transportation agencies get to complete a project that might not otherwise be done. More than 2,000 young people have participated in these projects. With the funds they receive through these program, state and local transportation agencies can enter into partnerships with Youth Corps organizations for some exciting and forward-looking projects. These partnerships can do important things.