The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and the Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announce the availability of up to $29.2 million that was appropriated under Title I, Division H of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018 (Pub. L. 115-141) to award funds to carry out dislocated worker demonstration projects authorized under section 169(c) of WIOA for the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative grants for the Appalachian and Delta Regions.
This grant supports alignment of workforce development with existing strategies and plans for economic development and diversification in rural communities in the following areas hard hit by economic transition:
- The Appalachian region
- The Lower Mississippi Delta region
We expect availability of approximately $29.2 million, and applicants may apply for an amount ranging from $150,000 up to $2.5 million. The WORC Initiative enables impacted communities to develop local and regional workforce development solutions aligned with existing economic development strategies and community partnerships to promote new, sustainable job opportunities and long-term economic vitality. These grants will enable eligible applicants within the Appalachian and Delta regions to expand the impact of existing workforce development initiatives. These demonstration grant projects will provide valuable career, training, and support services to eligible individuals in counties and parishes and/or areas currently underserved by other resources.
The closing date for receipt of applications is July 15, 2019. We must receive applications no later than 4:00:00 p.m. E.T.