Grants to help fund workforce development programs

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The State Workforce Development Board has awarded $1.8 million to seven state organizations, ranging from colleges to youth outreach programs, to help fund workforce development programs.

The grants were funded by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.

“South Carolina needs a skilled workforce now more than ever,” Val Richardson, SWDB collaboration and partnership committee co-chair, said in a news release. “The Board’s intent behind the Workforce Innovation Grant is to facilitate the work of organizations across the state. The projects that were funded are innovative and support the needs of South Carolina’s workforce.”

The programs awarded funding include:

• Midlands Technical College ($391,590): The grant will be used to reach struggling college students, high school graduates without secondary education plans and others by providing an accelerated career program with entry points into as health care, business and information technology and diversified manufacturing.
• Able SC ($53,090) – The grant will be used to improve outreach to individuals with disabilities, provide training for staff to better serve job seekers with disabilities and educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with disabilities.
• Piedmont Technical College ($355,362) – The grant will be used to add two degree tracks: Commercial Driver’s License A/B and SC Logistics Certified.
• Transitions/Midlands Housing Alliance ($140,987) – The grant will fund the Transitions Works program, which will help homeless individuals find steady employment and permanent housing. The funds will also help establish and staff a career center.
• Upstate Workforce Board ($391,590) – The grant will help fund the Operation Educate Program, which provides occupational skills training in construction and manufacturing as well as soft skills training.
• Eckerd Youth Alternatives ($381,741) – The grant will be used to help businesses identify workforce needs among out-of-school youth. The funding will help fund the Build a SHED competition, a contest which partners construction industry leaders with youth participants to provide training in basic construction skills. Paid work experiences in the industry will also be funded.
• Lexington-Richland School District 5 ($85,640) – The grant will be used to provide certifications for individuals with disabilities through modified coursework and to support a student mentor/supervisor staff position.