Education and training are drivers of economic mobility and opportunity. CLASP works to strengthen federal and state education and training policy to ensure that low-wage workers, low-income, and individuals can enter and advance in the labor market, and to make sure that American businesses have access to workers with skills they need to compete. Transitional jobs, career exploration, job placement, and access to work supports such as child care also are essential for helping individuals get better jobs, succeed in education and training, and advance along a career pathway.

States Use ARRA Funds to Support Innovation

States and communities now have more funding and greater flexibility under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) to support cutting-edge workforce education and training strategies that can help low-skill adults and out-of-school youth gain the skills and credentials they need for career success. The increased funding is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed earlier this year.

Already, some states are implementing and expanding programs through WIA discretionary grants. Wisconsin is using $1. 5 million to support Opportunity Grants, which pay for short-term postsecondary training that is not covered by financial aid. The state also is using  $300,000 to fund Skills Jump Start Grants to help individuals who lack a high school diploma complete their basic education and concurrently  receive job training at technical colleges for employment in high-demand sectors such as manufacturing and health care.  For more information, download Using Increased Funding under the Workforce Investment Act to Create Multiple Pathways to Marketable Postsecondary Credentials and Middle-Class Employment. 

Design + Development: Articulated Man