Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas Receives $800,000 CAREER Grant for Laid-off Workers
WICHITA (October 26, 2021) — The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas (WA) has been awarded $800,000 as part of a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in collaboration with the Midwest Urban Strategies (MUS) partnership. Through this award, the public workforce system will increase its ability to assist individuals that have experienced a lay-off to gain the skills and knowledge they need to become competitive in the labor market. Services provided will include Career Services, Training Services (in-person and virtual), Support Services, and Subsidized Employment. Workforce Development Boards (WDB) will facilitate job/employment fairs and support employers to find, train, and hire new workers.
In addition to the WA , other grant partners include the, Full Employment Council in Kansas City, MO and Minneapolis and Employment Training in Minneapolis, MN. Employment Recovery Dislocated Worker Grants provide employment and training resources to respond to major economic dislocations. Grant partners will use this funding to help reemploy dislocated workers most affected by the economic fallout from the COVID-19 pandemic from historically marginalized communities or groups.
“This award of $3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor will allow MUS workforce development board partners to address and recover from the unprecedented unemployment and economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.” said Tracey Carey, Midwest Urban Strategies’ Executive Director.
Through a lens of equity, the Midwest WDB’s will utilize technology for virtual access and training opportunities. Each local WDB area will host the highest quality training programs that will inform virtual access across the Midwest.
Keith Lawing, CEO of the Workforce Alliance observed “In this current unpredictable economy, skills and talent are a constant priority. This grant will help both employers and job seekers through skills training projects and better entry points to good-paying careers.”
Individuals from South Central Kansas who have been impacted by layoff and are interested in retraining through this grant should inquire in person at any Workforce Center of South Central Kansas location, including Wichita, El Dorado, Wellington, or Winfield, or call 316-771-6800 or 877-509-6757.