ETA News Release: [February 13, 2007]
Contact Name: Peggy Abrahamson, David James
Phone Number: (202) 693-7909 (202) 693-4676
U.S. Department of Labor Announces Competition for
WIRED Initiative's 3rd Generation
WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced a competition for a third generation of awards through the Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development (WIRED) Initiative.
"The WIRED Initiative recognizes that local economies often do not neatly conform to geographic boundaries," said Secretary Chao. "WIRED brings together universities, businesses, community colleges, foundations and economic development organizations to help equip regional workforces with the skills needed to succeed in the 21st century worldwide economy."
In February 2006, the Labor Department launched WIRED through a competitive grant process in which 13 regions were selected to transform their economies. As with the previous WIRED call for proposals, this competition is open to all governors, each of whom received an announcement letter from Secretary Chao. Governors may submit up to two proposals for awards up to $5 million each. Competing regions must identify sources of state, regional, and private funding to complement the Labor Department's investment. The competition will remain open through April 13, 2007, with awards to follow.
"The Third Generation of WIRED is designed to position local Workforce Investment Boards as leaders of a strategic regional partnership," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "Through talent development strategies and integration with regional economic development, this partnership can drive economic transformation in regions across the country and improve employment and advancement opportunities for workers."
The Workforce Innovation in Regional Economic Development Initiative supports innovative approaches to workforce and economic development that go beyond traditional strategies preparing workers to compete and succeed.
Through WIRED, the department has invested $260 million in 26 regions throughout the country and has facilitated engagement among 10 federal agencies to catalyze the creation of high skill and high wage opportunities for American workers within the context of regional economies.
For more information on WIRED, please visit www.doleta.gov/wired.
