MS HB1116

Establishes the Mississippi Youthbuild Act and requires the Division of Family and Children's Services of the Department of Human Services to administer programs providing disadvantaged youth aged 16-24 with employment, education, leadership development, and construction or rehabilitation training for affordable housing.

Youthbuild programs must require participants to spend 50% of time in classroom instruction (basic skills, secondary education, vocational training, life skills) and 50% in on-site construction training, with desired teacher-to-student ratio of 1:12 and trainer-to-student ratio of 1:7.

Requires programs to provide counseling services, leadership development training, job placement assistance for 12 months post-graduation, and training stipends at minimum wage for participants, without affecting their public assistance benefits.

Eligible participants must be economically disadvantaged individuals aged 16-24 who have not received a high school diploma, are at risk of dropping out, or are very low-income; up to 25% of participants may be individuals with educational needs despite having a diploma.

Eligible applicants are not-for-profit and public agencies with experience operating Youthbuild programs or plans to establish one, with priority given to organizations licensed by Youthbuild USA or previously funded by HUD; administrative costs capped at 15% of grant amounts.