Local areas may apply for funding to support workforce efforts
EDITOR’S NOTE: We have not received a reply from our message to the Lawrence County Judge/Executive John Osborne on whether or not Lawrence Co. will participate. We will add the reply as soon as we get it.
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 3, 2017) — The Kentucky Department of Workforce Investment and Kentucky Workforce Innovation Board (KWIB) are making $2 million in funding available to local workforce development boards for three types of grants to support innovative workforce services. The deadline to submit proposals is Dec. 30, 2017.
These grants are designed to channel federal workforce funds to help Local Workforce Development Areas (LWDA) and regions better serve customers and meet the requirements of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The application is divided into three areas of focus: innovation and impact; sector and career pathways; and youth services related to work-based activities.
“The Department of Workforce Investment is committed to supporting our local workforce board partners in their efforts to innovate and modernize the workforce system. These funds will enable local boards together with their regional partners to invest in new initiatives on behalf of employers and individuals across the Commonwealth and maximize our collective impact,” said Beth Kuhn, Commissioner.
The local innovation and impact fund encourages investment in workforce activities that are innovative and build partnerships. Each LWDA or region may receive up to $100,000 if the project secures a match from other sources including federal and state funding and meets a few basic requirements.
The sector and career pathway fund supports expanded state, region and local responsibilities under WIOA and ongoing work on industry sectors targeted by the KWIB and the Economic Development Cabinet, and talent and career pathway development. Each LWDA may receive up to $20,000 or each region may receive up to $50,000.
Kentucky’s targeted sectors include automobile/aircraft manufacturing; transportation, distribution and logistics; business services and research and development; health care/social assistance; and construction.
The youth collaborative fund will help adapt youth service strategies to meet new WIOA expectations and encourage high-quality work-based learning services for youth and young adults. Several significant changes in WIOA involve youth services. Regional resources are available to assist in service redesign, training for service providers and employer outreach efforts for youth employment opportunities.Each LWDA may receive up to $20,000 or each region may receive up to $50,000.
For a copy of the request for proposals (RFP), guidelines and information, please go to http://www.kcc.ky.gov/Pages/News.aspx
