Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced youth programs in Columbia and Spartanburg will receive nearly $1.4 million in federal grants to help young adults complete high school and receive on-the-job training in construction. The Youthbuild program assists students age 16 to 24. Students in the program complete their high school education and build or renovate single-family homes and multi-family apartments. The units are then sold to low-income individuals and families. Columbia Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation will receive $700,000. Spartanburg The Housing Authority for the City of Spartanburg will receive $700,000. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####