The U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration has extended funding through 2023 for the Des Moines Area Community College YouthBuild of Central Iowa program, a pre-apprenticeship program that targets disadvantaged youth. The $915,697 grant will fund participants’ course work and materials. More than 200 young adults have completed the DMACC program since 2009. The program provides participants ages 18 to 24 the opportunity to work toward economic self-sufficiency and an educational goal attainment. Students can obtain nationally recognized construction and carpentry certifications, specialized training in selected fields and college credit while completing their high school equivalency. Participants also build homes through a partnership with the Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity.