Department of Labor, Training Awards

Department of Labor Announces Winners of $17 Million Competition to Assist Dislocated Workers

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration announced more than $17 million in awards to nine state agencies and one community college system that competed to assist dislocated workers. Funding will be used to implement demonstration projects that build the skills and employment options of workers either already or at risk of becoming dislocated.

"These $17 million in grants will help workers develop the skills they need to succeed in new careers and even start new businesses," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

A total of 32 proposals competed in four categories. First, "Entrepreneurship for Dislocated Workers" projects will help workers who have lost their jobs start small businesses. Selected proposals came from the North Carolina Department of Commerce ($1,605,506), the Virginia Community College System ($1,970,291), the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs ($1,000,000), and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development ($2,000,000).

Two projects were chosen for funding in the second category, called "Getting Ahead of the Curve: Raising Educational/Skill Levels of Workers in Declining Industries." The Connecticut Department of Labor ($2,000,000) and Iowa Workforce Development ($1,999,620) will develop strategies to upgrade the skills of workers who are likely to face layoffs.

Three "Innovative Adult Learning Models for Dislocated Workers" projects will identify new ways to train dislocated workers. The New Hampshire ($1,818,755) and Michigan ($2,000,000) Departments of Labor and the Kansas Department of Commerce ($821,527) were chosen to carry out these demonstrations.

In the fourth category, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development ($1,980,846) was selected for its proposal to help former recipients of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families maintain employment and enter or advance within high-growth careers.

"These projects will result in innovations that help vulnerable workers build their skill sets and advance their careers in the 21st century economy," said Deputy Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell.