Grants will allow 13,000 additional workers to enter No Worker Left Behind program

U.S. Department of Labor announced today three grants totaling $38,033,600 to provide dislocated workers retraining in areas of economic growth, including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy, and management, scientific and technical consulting services.  The amount released today will be funded by resources made available for National Emergency Grants under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

“Michigan faces an unusual challenge of transforming its economy during a recession, so we continue steps to accelerate job creation and provide more workers the opportunity to retrain for new jobs,” said Rep. Levin.  “The DOL grant recognizes that Michigan has both a need and a vigorous plan to help workers transition during this downturn.”

Funding will flow through the No Worker Left Behind program run by the Michigan Department of Energy, Labor, and Economic Growth.  In exchange for agreeing to being trained in an emerging industry, the No Worker Left Behind program provides up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university or training program, and assistance from Michigan Works! Agencies with skill assessment and placement.  Based on state of Michigan estimates, about 13,291 additional workers will be served under these grants.

National Emergency Grants are awarded at the Secretary of Labor’s discretion to help a state or local area cope with an ongoing economic crisis.  The grants are targeted to three Michigan regions: Southeast Michigan, Mid-Michigan, and West Michigan.  Of the $38,033,600 announced today, $19,016,800 will be released initially.  Additional funding up to the amount approved will be made available as the state demonstrates a continued need for assistance.

Breakdown of assistance by region with estimated worker totals:

    * Southeast Michigan Regional Economic Impact (REI) grant
      1. Awarded up to $18,638,400 with $9,319,200 released initially,
      2. Provide services to about 7,274 workers.
    * Flint / Mid-Michigan Regional Economic Impact (REI) grant
      1. Awarded up to $8,993,600 with $4,496,800 released initially,
      2. Provide services to about 3,085 workers.
    * West Michigan Regional Economic Impact (REI) grant
      1. Awarded up to $10,401,600 with $5,200,800 released initially,
      2. Provide services to about 2,932 workers.

Estimated total of additional workers served: 13,291 workers