Mayor Coleen Seng said Tuesday the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development  has awarded a $700,000 grant to the Lincoln Action Program . 

The funds will support the Youthbuild Program, which helps at-risk students earn high school diplomas and gain experience in building affordable housing.

“We know that high school dropouts often face employment challenges and are at risk of becoming homeless,” Seng said.  “Youthbuild offers job training and helps the participants develop leadership skills. At the same time, the program results in homes for lower-income families.”

LAP was awarded a Youthbuild grant several years ago, and Executive Director Sue Hinrichs said 40 young people participated in the construction of two homes.

“The Youthbuild program is about far more than building homes," Hinrichs said. "It’s about giving disadvantaged youth a future to build on."