The U.S. Department of Labor, in collaboration with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border Regional Commission, has announced $49 million in grant awards aimed at preparing workers for secure jobs in high-demand industries within their communities. This initiative aligns with the Biden-Harris administration's commitment to revitalizing economic opportunities in often overlooked regions.
The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative grants will support 35 projects across 18 states, with individual grants ranging from $150,000 to $1.5 million. Notably, over $12.5 million of these funds will benefit communities within the Rural Partners Network—a program launched by the Biden-Harris administration in 2022 to enhance job creation and infrastructure development in rural areas.
Acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasized the broader impact of this investment: "With this investment, we’re not just creating good-paying jobs in rural areas across the country; we’re breaking down barriers that have held back our communities for too long." She highlighted that access to childcare, training, and support services is essential for building an "opportunity infrastructure" that enables people to thrive locally.
Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training José Javier Rodríguez noted that these grants would foster community stability and growth by providing necessary training and supportive services. He stated that the initiative aims to help workers thrive through meaningful employment opportunities.
This sixth round of funding follows an announcement made on April 4, 2024. The grants are designed to promote economic mobility and address historical inequities faced by marginalized individuals and regions. The goal is to enable workers in Appalachia, Delta, and Northern Border regions to access local opportunities.
Gayle Manchin, Federal Co-Chair of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), underscored the importance of connecting rural Appalachians with career training: "ARC is proud of our ongoing partnership with the Department of Labor through the WORC Initiative," she said.
Delta Regional Authority Federal Co-Chairman Dr. Corey Wiggins echoed similar sentiments about economic mobility within Delta communities: "Thanks to the funding provided by the Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative... helping to create pathways to high-quality careers."
Chris Saunders, Federal Co-Chair of the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC), emphasized inclusivity: "The WORC partnership with the Department of Labor is a critical part of ensuring all residents have access to resources that can improve their economic well-being."
These grants also align with the Biden-Harris administration’s Justice40 Initiative which aims for disadvantaged communities to receive 40 percent of certain investments' overall benefits.
Since its inception in 2019, nearly $215 million has been awarded under WORC Initiative Grants by the Department of Labor and its partners.
Recipients from various states were listed as beneficiaries under each regional commission:
Appalachian Regional Commission area:
- Kentucky Horticulture Council Inc., KY - $1,466,398
- Kentucky Rural Health Information Technology Network Inc., KY - $1,260,235
- Volunteers of America Mid-States Inc., KY - $1,260,234
- Appalachian State University NC - $1,439,444
- Muskingum University OH - $1,499,641
- Tri County Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates OH - $1,5000
- Catalyst Connection PA - $1,
5000
- Green Building Alliance PA - $
488707
- Pennsylvania State University Hershey Medical Center PA -
$1499928
Spartanburg Regional Health Services District Inc., SC -
$996598
Angelic Ministries TN -
$1499500
Upper Cumberland Local Workforce Development Board TN -
$1480000
Center on Rural Innovation VT -
$1499998
EO Companies VA -
$1500000
Total Action Against Poverty in Roanoke Valley VA -
$1499607
Total Awarded:
$21390290
Delta Regional Authority area:
-Reid State Technical College AL-
1500000
Arkansas Rural Health Partnership AR-
1200000
Save The Children Federation Inc CT-
1482460
Floor Covering Education Foundation Inc GA-
1499700
NextOp Inc LA-
1499891
St Landry Parish Government LA-
1500000
University Of Louisiana At Lafayette LA-
1499784
Electrical Training ALLIANCE MD-
1499993
Delta Health Alliance Inc MS-
1499999
Tunica County Administrators Department MS-
1074000
Community Partnership Of Southeast Missouri MO-
1438344
The GradUS Project TN-
1134709
The University Of Tennessee Health Science Center TN-
1500000
Young Men's Christian Association Of Memphis And The Mid-South TN-
1498559
SHRM Foundation Inc VA-
1497561
Total Awarded:
21325000
Northern Border Regional Commission area:
Community Concepts Inc ME -
1182360
Maine Community College System ME -
1237568
Mary Hitchcock Memorial Hospital NH -
1267392
Northern Forest Center Inc NH -
1262512
Rutland Regional Planning Commission VT -
1250168
Total Awarded:
62000000
