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ETA News Release: [10/10/2008]
Contact Name: Jennifer Kaplan or Terry Shawn
Phone Number: (202) 693-5052 or x4676
Release Number: 08-1410-NAT

U.S. Department of Labor announces $125 million President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants competition

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced the fourth competition for the President's Community-Based Job Training Grants. Public and tribal community and technical colleges, community college districts, state community college systems and One-Stop Career Centers will compete for a total of $125 million in awards, which will range between $500,000 and $2 million.

"This $125 million grant competition will leverage the partnership among community colleges, One-Stop Career Centers, business, labor, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to help students and workers gain the relevant skills essential for long-term career success," said Secretary Chao.

Over the past three years, approximately $375 million has been awarded to 211 community colleges and community-based institutions in 47 states to promote the U.S. workforce's full potential. Through these grants, nearly 25,000 individuals have completed training, and more than 80,000 are currently engaged in training.

This competition differs in a few respects from last year's. Among the modifications, applicants must show how their proposals' features vary from existing workforce products. In addition, besides partnerships with business and industry, the workforce investment system and K-12+ education institutions, applicants are encouraged to team with local faith-based and community organizations to help hard-to-serve populations reduce barriers to employment.

"Through this competition, whole communities can offer learning opportunities to individuals seeking to expand their own talents, skills and knowledge," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell. "In regions across America, community colleges can become the gathering place for economic growth and real-world educational excellence."

A competitive solicitation for grant applications appears in today's Federal Register and can be accessed online through www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm. Virtual conferences for prospective applicants will be held Friday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. EDT. Additional information and links to registration for these conferences will be posted at www.doleta.gov/business/Community-BasedJobTrainingGrants.cfm. This competition for grants will remain open through Monday, Nov. 24, with awards to follow.