Commerce Wins President’s Award for Innovation from COSCDA for Youth Job Training Program in Bartlett

Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced the Kansas Department of Commerce has received national recognition for its Youth Job Training project in Bartlett. The Council of State Community Development Agencies (COSCDA) presented Commerce with its President’s Award for Innovation, honoring outstanding state-level programs that demonstrate measurable success in addressing community needs.

The Youth Job Training Grant Program was launched in 2022 and was designed to help Kansas youth enter the workforce with training and skills to help address the shortage of skilled trade workers and keep youth involved in their communities. The Bartlett project was nominated by CDBG staff who were proud to highlight the strong partnerships already in place and the greater outcomes achieved when combining local efforts with grant resources.

“Kansas is a national leader in developing creative workforce solutions that make our communities and economy stronger,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “The Bartlett project shows what can happen when you invest in the younger generation, give them meaningful opportunities to learn in-demand trade skills, and better connect them to the communities they call home.”

The project, developed through a partnership between the City of Bartlett and Labette County High School, utilized Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to expand the Building and Trades Construction Program into the summer months. The existing program has a goal of building one house each year, and the summer internship gives students additional hands-on training and opportunities to earn industry credentials while keeping construction progress moving year-round.

“The Bartlett house project was more than a classroom experience — it gave students a real-world opportunity to see the results of hard work and how it can benefit a community,” Commerce Assistant Secretary Matt Godinez said. “These are the kinds of innovation programs that set Kansas apart and ensures our future workforce is ready to succeed.”

After completion, the new home was purchased by a former Bartlett resident who had returned to the community to teach at Labette County High School. Proceeds from the purchase are invested into the program for future projects.

“When these pieces come together — the dedication of instructors, the support of school leadership, state programs like CDBG, and partnerships with industry and local leaders — we can build up our next generation of workforce,” USD 506 Superintendent John Wyrick said. “These opportunities result in changing lives, strengthening communities and creating a sustainable pipeline of skilled professionals that are ready to enter the workforce.”

The success of the Bartlett project has set the stage for expanding similar youth job training efforts across Kansas, reinforcing the state’s commitment to workforce development and community revitalization. To learn more about the award, click here.