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U.S.
Department of Labor
Program Highlights
Veterans' Employment and Training Service |
VETERANS WORKFORCE INVESTMENT PROGRAM (VWIP):
FACTSHEET
The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) section 168 amended the training programs made available to veterans (see 29 U.S.C. 2913). It also authorizes the Department of Labor (DOL), to make grants available to meet the needs of veterans through workforce investment activities.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary for Veterans' Employment and Training (OASVET) administers the Veterans Workforce Investment Program (VWIP).
Legislation authorizes the annual funding for VWIP, which derives from a percentage of the total Workforce Investment authorization. DOL is authorized to award competitive grants to public agencies, State and Workforce Investment Boards (WIB’s) and private and non-profit organizations (including faith-based and community organizations).
The appropriated funds support one-year grants awarded to eligible entities through a competitive, Solicitation-of-Grant Applications (SGA) process with optional funding for up to two years. The basis for optional funding years depends on performance and the availability of funds.
The intent of VWIP is to provide support for employment and training services through grants and contracts that assist eligible veterans with reintegration into meaningful employment within the labor force and stimulates the development of effective service delivery systems that will address their complex employment problems.
Eligible participants in VWIP must be veterans with service-connected disabilities, veterans who have significant barriers to employment, veterans who served on active duty in the armed forces during a war or in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge was authorized, and recently separated veterans within 48 months of discharge (under conditions other than dishonorable). Veterans who received a “dishonorable” discharge are ineligible for VWIP services.
38 U.S.C. 4215 established priority of service for veterans in all Department of Labor funded job- training programs. VWIP allows for specialized employment, training, and educational resources, tailored to meet the needs of the specific target populations of veterans served. In many programs, minority, female, economically disadvantaged, homeless veterans, and/or disabled veterans receive these specialized resources.
Projects that, support the President’s commitment to “Green Energy Jobs,” and propose clear strategies for training and employment in the renewable energy economy, are unique and innovative, will receive priority consideration.
For more information about U.S. Department of Labor employment and training programs for veterans, contact the Employment and Training Service office nearest you, listed in the phone book in the United States Government under the Labor Department or visit our site:
http://www.dol.gov/vets/aboutvets/contacts/main.htm
This is one of a series of fact sheets highlighting U.S. Department of Labor programs. It is intended as a general description only and does not carry the force of legal opinion. For more information regarding VETS' programs and services, visit our web site at:
http://www.dol.gov/vets/
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