Department of Labor Announces The Career Pathways Innovation Fund

The Career Pathways Innovation Fund Grant Program, under the Department of Labor, will support programs that help individuals enter and pursue rewarding careers in emerging industries and in-demand occupations. These grants will replace the former Community-Based Job Training grants.

The Department of Labor will award $122 million through this program, including $65 million for health care-focused projects, and intends to fund 40 to 50 grants ranging from $1 million to $5 million each. Eligible applicants are community colleges in partnership with employers, local workforce investment boards, and community and faith-based organizations.

According to the press release, programs funded through these grants will have multiple entry and exit points, and many will include links to services such as basic adult education and English for speakers of other languages classes that make them accessible to individuals who are not yet prepared to enroll in college courses. The grants support President Obama’s broader agenda of helping every American gain at least one year of postsecondary education, and will help reach his goal of America having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.

“Those who are looking for work — including the long-term unemployed — deserve access to the kind of training that will help them secure full-time employment in the 21st century economy," said Secretary Solis. "Career pathway programs help get Americans back to work by ensuring that individuals of varying skill levels can earn credentials that are highly valued by employers. That is the right thing to do for the unemployed and the smart thing to do for the nation."

Applications are due March 31, 2011.

Resource: view the online tutorial "Grant Applications 101: A Plain English Guide to ETA Competitive Grants" available at http://www.workforce3one.org/page/grants_toolkit.