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Congressman Bell Announces Over $1.2 Million to Bolster Training and Employment Programs in St. Louis

July 1, 2026

Congressman Bell announced $1,285,628 in federal funding for the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment 

The funding came through the Department of Labor’s YouthBuild award 

Congressman Bell recently hosted his second annual job fair to further support job seekers in the St. Louis region

Congressman Bell: “So many amazing things happen when people have a stable, good-paying job”


 Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Wesley Bell (D-MO-01) announced over $1.2 million in federal funding heading for the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment. The funding came through the Department of Labor’s YouthBuild award

“So many amazing things happen when people have a stable, good-paying job,” said Congressman Bell. “Which is why I'm doing everything in Congress to make sure my constituents have every opportunity possible to be gainfully employed. I am proud to help bring these federal dollars to the St. Louis region and excited to see all the good it will do for our community.”

Representative Bell has used his time in Congress to support programs that bring job opportunities back to the St. Louis region. He has hosted two Congressional job fairs that have brought together hundreds of employers and potential employees from around the area. As the St. Louis County Prosecutor, Congressman Bell understands the direct correlation between job opportunity and crime rates in the St. Louis region.

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) is the City of St. Louis government agency that offers job seekers and businesses a variety of no-cost services related to employment, job training, and career advancement.

YouthBuild is a community-based pre-apprenticeship program that provides job training and educational services for opportunity youth ages 16-24 who left school without a secondary diploma. Participants learn vocational skills in construction, as well as in other in-demand industries that include healthcare, information technology, and hospitality. Participants also provide community service through the required construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing for low-income or homeless families in their own neighborhoods.