WASHINGTON [January 12, 2009] - The U.S. Secretary of Labor today announced $10 million in grants to increase access to technology-based learning. Twenty projects were selected from a pool of 193 applications.

Technology-based learning broadly refers to transmitting knowledge through electronic means, whether over the Internet, through video conferencing, by DVD or via other media. It encompasses scheduled, teacher-student instruction as well as unscheduled, self-directed learning.

The projects will employ a variety of technology-based learning applications, ranging from setting up a "virtual hospital" to help train nurses to using online chat rooms to provide students with one-on-one support. In addition, award-winning projects have teamed up with growing industries, area workforce and economic development entities, and educational institutions including community and four-year colleges. Today's grantees and their partners will carry out their activities over a three-year period.

This competition was announced in the Federal Register on June 20, 2008, and is part of the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration's Technology-Based Learning Initiative, which was launched in 2006.

A list of award-winning organizations and relevant industries in Region 5 follows:

• State of Illinois - Springfield Ill. - Information Technology - $500,000
• The Guidance Center - Southgate Mich. - Health care - $500,000

WASHINGTON - October, 7, 2008. The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) today announced the second competition for YouthBuild grants that provide disadvantaged young people with education and training, and expand the supply of affordable housing in low-income communities. A total of approximately $47 million is due to be awarded in spring 2009 in amounts ranging between $700,000 and $1.1 million.

"YouthBuild participants earn while they learn, as the program prepares disadvantaged youth with the tools they seek to become educated workers in construction and other industries," said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Brent R. Orrell.

The solicitation for grant applications appears in today's Federal Register and can be found online at www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm or www.grants.gov. The competition is open to organizations including workforce investment boards, One-Stop Career Centers, faith-based and community groups, housing development agencies, Indian tribes, and other entities. The deadline for applications is Jan. 15, 2009. Details on a future virtual prospective applicant conference will be posted at http://www.doleta.gov/youth%5Fservices/youthbuildgrantee.cfm.

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