BLOOMINGTON -- YouthBuild McLean County is one of eight state organizations to receive a piece of $55 million in green jobs training grants through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

"I'm thrilled about it," said Suzanne Fitzgerald, executive director of YouthBuild McLean County. "It will help us build our environmental efforts, help us build our environmental science curriculum and help with LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) affordable housing efforts as well as help students get jobs in the future in the green industry."

YouthBuild McLean County, which helps young adults earn high school degrees while getting job training, will receive $100,000.

The grants are designed to support job training and labor market information programs to help workers find jobs in the expanding green industries and related occupations, according to the U.S. Department of Labor.

Labor Secretary Hilda L. Solis said the effort is part of the Obama administration's "long-term commitment to fostering both immediate economic growth and a clean energy future."

Four of the eight state grants went to the Chicago area.  Peoria, Rockford and Springfield also received grants.