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.
- Ronnie Kauder and Neil Ridley | Sep 18, 2009 Earning and Learning: Options under the Workforce Investment Act
- CLASP | Oct 08, 2009 The Safety Net's Response to the Recession
- Nov 12, 2008 Recover, Renew, Rebuild: Workforce Policies for a Strong and Fair Economy
- Jul 24, 2009 CLASP Recommendations for Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (Title I) Adult Program (Updated)
- Oct 18, 2007 Policies to Promote Adult Education and Postsecondary Alignment
- Ronnie Kauder and Neil Ridley | Sep 18, 2009 Earning and Learning: Options under the Workforce Investment Act
- CLASP | Sep 01, 2009 Federal Policy Recommendations for 2009 and Beyond
- Workforce Team | Jul 24, 2009 CLASP Recommendations for Reauthorization of the Workforce Investment Act (Title I) Adult Program
- Jul 07, 2009 CLASP Recommendations on Performance Accountability in the Workforce Education and Training System
- Matt Lewis | Jun 15, 2009 Distance Learning Can Help Low-Income Parents Attend School: TANF Agencies Should Adopt Supportive Policies (Revised)