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VETS News Release: [06/25/2008]
Contact Name: Mike Biddle or Otto Heck
Phone Number: (202) 693-5051 or x4672
Release Number: 08-0862-NAT

19,000 veterans to benefit from nearly $30 million in job training grants from U.S. Department of Labor

WASHINGTON — Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao today announced 103 grants, totaling nearly $30 million, to provide approximately 19,000 veterans with job training to help them succeed in civilian careers. The grants are being awarded under the U.S. Department of Labor's Homeless Veterans Reintegration Program (HVRP) and Veterans' Workforce Investment Program (VWIP).

"These $30 million in grants will provide more than 19,000 veterans with access to job training and other employment resources to connect them with good jobs and a path to a better future," said Secretary Chao.

Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. These agencies are familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

To assist homeless veterans with reintegration into America's workforce, the Labor Department is awarding almost $23 million in 91 HVRP grants. These funds are being distributed nationwide through 16 newly competed grants and 75 current grants receiving second- and third-year funding. Homeless veterans may receive occupational, classroom and on-the-job training, as well as job search and placement assistance, including follow-up services. The department's Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) expects the funds to help more than 15,000 veterans. HVRP is recognized as an extraordinarily efficient and effective program, and is the only federal program that focuses exclusively on employment of veterans who are homeless.

The HVRP grants include two cooperative agreements that will continue to assist HVRP grantees through the HVRP National Technical Assistance Center. The center provides technical assistance to current grantees, potential applicants and the public; gathers grantee best practices; conducts employment-related research on homeless veterans; conducts regional grantee training sessions and self-employment boot camps; and performs outreach to the employer community to increase job opportunities for veterans.

More than $6.8 million will support 12 VWIP grants to help veterans from targeted groups overcome employment barriers and ease their transition into unsubsidized jobs. Through this program, veterans receive skills assessments, individual job counseling, labor market information, classroom or on-the-job training, skills upgrading and retraining, placement assistance and crucial follow-up services. VETS expects these grants to provide training for more than 4,000 veterans, who may also be eligible for services through other Workforce Investment Act programs for economically disadvantaged or dislocated workers.

Grantees under both programs network and coordinate their efforts with various local, state and federal social service providers. More information on the Department of Labor's unemployment and re-employment programs for veterans can be found at www.dol.gov/vets.

• View the list of VWIP and a list of HVRP grants.