Workforce Investment Act

Updates:

Health care and emerging industries job training grants

Department of Labor Issues New ARRA Grants

Department of Labor revises guidelines for negotiating Workforce Investment Act (WIA) performance goals

Closing Date: June 30, 2009
Estimated Total Program Funding: ~ $4 billion

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides the Department of Labor with roughly $4 billion, through formula grants, for employment and training programs to assist workers in acquiring new skills and obtaining sustainable employment. 

Breakdown of Workforce Investment Act Funding:

• $500 million for adult employment and training activities, including supportive services and needs-related payments.
• $1.2 billion for youth activities, including summer employment.
• $1.25 billion in grants to states for dislocated worker employment and training activities.

Additionally, ARRA provides $750 million in competitive grants for worker training and placement in high growth and emerging industry sectors: including $500 million to prepare workers for careers in the energy efficiency and renewable energy industries and $250 million for projects that prepare workers for careers in the health care sector.

COG's Initiative: Creation of a Regional Workforce Development Task Force (PDF)

Program Administration: The Department of Labor (DOL) is collaborating with other Federal agencies and developing a multi-pronged investment approach with these funds. DOL plans to issue Solicitations for Grant Awards (SGA) no later than June 30, 2009. The SGA will provide specific requirements for use of the funds, certification, data reporting, performance measures, and other necessary information. Click here for more information about the DOL's ARRA efforts.

Return to the main page of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Government's ARRA Regional Information Center.