The U.S. Department of Labor announced $81.5 million in Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities grants for 13 projects in 11 states. The Employment and Training Administration administers the seventh funding round, which covers the Appalachian, Delta and Northern Border regions. The Labor Department said the grants will support industry-led job training, including Registered Apprenticeships, for rural employers and residents.
What it means
The funding is intended for new workers, displaced workers and people seeking additional skills. Programs will serve skilled trades and construction, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, domestic energy production, and business and professional services.
The grants are designed to support employment and wage growth, economic mobility, self-sufficiency and labor-force participation in predominantly rural areas. The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative is offered with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority and Northern Border Regional Commission.
Key facts
- The Department of Labor awarded $81,542,854 across 13 projects in 11 states.
- Tuskegee University received $7,500,000.
- United Steelworkers local 689 received $8,000,000.
- JobForward Inc. received $7,999,999.
- Tri County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates received $7,994,597.
- New River Mount Rogers Workforce Investment Area Consortium received $7,994,951.
- Delta Health Alliance Inc. received $7,994,044.
- The funding is the seventh round of the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities program.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor announcement