Workforce

Workforce Investment Act

Total Federal Allocation: $3,514,500,000

Oklahoma Allocation:

Youth Employment and Training: $7,708,036
Adult Employment and Training: $3,650,170
Dislocated Worker Assistance: $6,023,463

Funding Type: Formula. Distribution will be made by category to Oklahoma's 12 local workforce investment boards using the existing formula.

Detail Website: http://wdr.doleta.gov/directives/attach/TEN/ten2008/TEN30-08.pdf

Overall Purpose:
Funding strengthens gaps in the talent pipeline by enhancing workforce development programming for low-income youth, low-income adults, and the recently unemployed. The direction of stimulus funding to the local Workforce Investment Boards will enhance the alignment of workforce with the needs of local business, also known as a sector based strategy.

Program Descriptions:

Youth -- Activities for youth in accordance with WIA requirements. Eligible recipients are low-income, at-risk youth age 14-to 24. Congress has urged WIA Youth Recovery Act funds to be used to create summer employment opportunities for youth. Congress further urges employment during the Summer 2009 (May 1 to Sept. 30) timeframe. Local areas are encouraged to develop work experiences and other activities that expose youth to opportunities in so-called "green" educational and career pathways. Work readiness is the only indicator to assess the effectiveness of summer employment.

Adult -- Employment and training services to adults through the One-Stop system in accordance with WIA allocation requirements. Eligible recipients are low-income adults older than 22 years of age. Allowable activities include skills assessment, skills training through higher education or CareerTech, and training to improve skills that will lead to greater income.

Dislocated Worker -- Employment and training services to dislocated workers through the One-Stop system in accordance with WIA allocation requirements. Eligible recipients are dislocated workers to support their reentry into the recovering job market. Funds will be directed for Rapid Response and for skills assessment and training and support services during training for recently unemployed workers.

Distribution and Timelines:

March 15, 2009 -- Federal guidance received by Oklahoma Department of Commerce
June 5, 2009 -- Governor's Council for Workforce and Economic Development to submit plan.
June 30, 2011 -- All WIA funds for adults, dislocated workers and youth must be expended

Oklahoma Department of Commerce Contact:
Norma_Noble@OKcommerce.gov
405-815-5278
800-879-6552

Download the PDF: Workforce

Energy Training Partnership Grants

Funds and Number of Awards Available: $100 million for 20 to 30 awards of $2 million to $5 million each.

Funding Type: Competitive.

Detail Websites: Energy Training Partnership Grants and Funding Opportunity Number: SGA/DFA PY 08-18.

Overall Purpose

The purpose of these green job training grants is to train and teach workers the skills required in emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy sectors. These efforts will lead program participants to job placement while leveraging other Recovery Act investments intended to create jobs and promote economic growth.

Program Description

Projects will provide training and placement services to prepare workers to enter the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, as well as green occupations within other industries. Services will support workers impacted by national energy and environmental policy, individuals in need of updated training related to the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries, and unemployed workers. Proposed projects must be developed and implemented through strategic partnerships.

Eligible Applicants: National labor-management organizations with local networks; or statewide or local nonprofit partnerships. All applicants are expected to work in conjunction with partnerships consisting of labor organizations, employers, Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs), and other organizations as defined in section 171(e)(2)(B)(ii) of WIA.

Guidelines and Timelines:

June 24, 2009 – Notice of solicitation published in Federal Register
July 13, 2009 – Webinar for prospective applicants
Sept. 4, 2009 – Closing date for application
24 months – Period of grant performance

Oklahoma Department of Commerce contact:

Mark_Hays@okcommerce.gov
918-594-8492

Pathways out of Poverty

Total Federal Allocation: Approximately $150 million to be distributed as grants of $3 million to $8 million for national grantees and $2 million to $4 million for local grantees.

Funding Type: Competitive.

Matching Funds and Cost Sharing: Not required, but leveraged resources are strongly encouraged.

Detail Website: http://www.doleta.gov/grants/pdf/SGA-DFA-PY-08-19.pdf

Overall Purpose

The purpose of these green job training grants is to teach workers the skills required in emerging energy efficiency and renewable energy industries. These efforts will lead program participants to job placement while leveraging other Recovery Act investments intended to create jobs and promote economic growth.

Description:

Funding aims to connect target populations to career pathways in green industries, including the following:

The energy-efficient building, construction, and retrofit industries;
The renewable electric power industry;
The energy efficient and advanced drive train vehicle industry;
The biofuels industry;
The deconstruction and materials use industries;
The energy efficiency assessment industry serving residential, commercial, or industrial sectors; and
Manufacturers that produce sustainable products using environmentally sustainable processes and materials.

Projects should integrate basic skills and work-readiness training with occupational skills training and include supportive services to help participants overcome barriers to employment. Projects involving sustainable agriculture, recycling and other "green" industries will also be considered.

Eligible Beneficiaries

Projects must serve only individuals who are at least 18 years of age and fall into one or more of the following categories:

Unemployed individuals;
High school dropouts;
Individuals with a criminal record; and
Disadvantaged individuals within areas of high poverty.

Eligible Applicants

National nonprofit organizations with networks of local affiliates and local nonprofit or public organizations such as community colleges and workforce investment boards. Proposals must include a "robust strategic partnership" including public workforce entities, the education and training community, employer and labor organizations, and nonprofit organizations with direct access to targeted populations.