LOWELL, Mass. — An organization created to help at-risk young adults by teaching them woodworking skills has received $500,000 to expand its programming.

UTEC, based in Lowell, received a half-million-dollar donation from the Yawkey Foundation to expand its Woodworking Social Enterprise program for justice-involved young adults.

UTEC’s Workforce program gives paid on-the-job experience in social enterprises such as woodworking. Young adults enrolled in the woodworking program, which serves Lowell, Lawrence, and Haverhill, learn to make products for retail and wholesale customers and receive wraparound support and assistance in finding external employment.

“We are so appreciative of the long-time support we have received from the Yawkey Foundation over the past 13 years,” UTEC CEO Gregg Croteau said. “This particular gift will have a huge impact on our work with young adults for years to come, helping us create jobs, provide training opportunities and open new pathways for our young adults.”