Milwaukee, March 14, 2025 – Midwest Urban Strategies, Inc. (MUS) has been awarded a $5.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (DOL/ETA) to launch the MUS Growth Opportunity Network (GO): Reinventing the Lives of Young Adults Impacted by the Justice System. This initiative will provide violence prevention and workforce development services for 350 justice-involved young adults (ages 18-24) across Detroit, MI; Hammond, IN; East Chicago, IN; Gary, IN; Michigan City, IN; and Indianapolis, IN.
MUS, a consortium of high-performing urban workforce development boards, will work alongside justice system partners, public safety agencies, and violence prevention organizations to break cycles of violence and recidivism.
“Violence prevention is workforce development,” said Tracey Carey, Executive Director of Midwest Urban Strategies. “This initiative isn’t just about job training—it’s about addressing the trauma and instability that keep young adults trapped in cycles of violence. By offering supportive services, mentorship, education, and real economic opportunity, we are helping them reclaim their futures.”
The GO MUS Network will be implemented by partners, EmployIndy, the Center for Workforce Innovations, and Detroit Employment Solutions Corp, who will oversee program implementation, compliance, and fiscal accountability. The network will integrate WIOA resources, workforce systems, and correctional affiliates while providing employment services through American Job Centers (AJCs). Dedicated WIOA Employment Specialists will help participants with job readiness, employability skills, and career navigation.
Key partners include justice system and violence prevention organizations such as Gary City Court, the Michigan Attorney General’s Office, Ceasefire Detroit, Lake County Superior Court, and the Indianapolis Office of Public Health and Safety, which will assist with outreach, intervention, and holistic supportive service delivery.
Additionally, MUS GO Network will link individuals to community programs for behavioral health, housing, child support, vocational rehabilitation, and other essential services. By leveraging local workforce systems and industry partnerships, the initiative ensures that training and credentialing programs will align with labor market demands, equipping participants with skills valued by employers.
Success will be measured by industry-recognized credential attainment, future employment retention rates, and reduced recidivism among participants.
For more information on the GO MUS Network, contact Tracey Carey at traceycarey@midwesturbanstrategies.com or visit www.midwesturbanstrategies.com.
About Midwest Urban Strategies
Midwest Urban Strategies, Inc. (MUS) is a leading workforce intermediary that convenes urban workforce development boards to drive economic opportunity and social mobility. MUS collaborates with workforce boards, government agencies, employers, and community organizations to develop innovative workforce solutions that address labor market needs while supporting underserved populations.
This workforce product was funded by a grant awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The product was created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor. The U.S. Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability, or ownership. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it.
