DOVER - Gov. John Lynch announced today that Project ASPIRE at the Dover High School Alternative Program will receive $128,471 in grants from the Workforce Opportunity Council and the New Hampshire Department of Education to help prepare Dover area youth to compete in the workforce and encourage them to stay in school.

"The demands of a changing economy require a highly skilled and educated workforce. Most new jobs require a college education. The first step in making sure New Hampshire has a strong economic future, and that our children have the bright future that they deserve, is encouraging more students to graduate from high school and giving them the preparation they need to compete in the workforce," Gov. Lynch said.

"Supporting innovative, community-based programs like this is key to reaching that goal," Gov. Lynch said.

The two-year grant for $128,471 from the Workforce Opportunity Council will go to support Project ASPIRE at the Dover High School Alternative Program. Project ASPIRE serves 21 Alternative Program students per year. ASPIRE works with students who have not been successful in the traditional academic environment and are considered at risk for dropping out. The program provides academic support, work skills, internships and job training for students. There is a summer session and a year of follow-up work after completion of the program.

For more information on Project ASPIRE, contact: Jackie Adams, 603-516-6722.

The U.S. Department of Labor funds the Workforce Opportunity Council grants. The Workforce Opportunity Council contracts with the NH Department of Education for the Statewide contracting of WIA youth funded programming, technical assistance and oversight of these programs.