Texas Talent Connection Grant (2nd year of funding awarded)
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Lacey Douglas, Workforce Solutions
Phone: 817.823.0533 / Email: lacey.douglas@workforcesolutions.net
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC) Awarded 2nd Year of Funding for Texas Talent Connection Grant
FORT WORTH, Texas (July 8, 2022) – Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County was awarded a second year of funding ($350,000) for the 21st CENTURY (Customers Embracing New Technology Upon ReEntrY) program serving reentering citizens with technology-based training focused on digital literacy to aid in job search, job placement, and financial management.
The grant scope will consist of a total of participants who will be outreached from Volunteers of America residential reentry centers and the Pathfinders’ 2nd Chance program in the Tarrant County Jail. Upon enrollment, participants will be assessed for their technology familiarity and skills. Based on the needs of each participant, the appropriate combination of services will be provided. Training in one of eight high-demand, high-paying industries that represent over 25 occupations offering industry-recognized, portable credentials will also be explored.
Governor Greg Abbott made the announcement July 7th that more than $5.9 million in Texas Talent Connection grants were awarded to 18 innovative workforce skills training and job placement programs in communities across the state. These competitive grant awards, administered by the Texas Workforce Investment Council in the Governor’s Economic Development and Tourism division, support innovative education and workforce skills training programs that lead to successful job placement, increased wages, and improved job retention, as well as programs serving workforce populations with special needs.
“For over 25 years, Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County has provided tools and resources that empower and enable job seekers to obtain employment in the career path of their choosing. This grant comes at an important time in our area, as there are so many new opportunities that focus on technology. We look forward to working with this population as they re-enter our community and get them the training they need to succeed,” said Judy McDonald, executive director for Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.
Link to the Governor’s Full Announcement
About Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County
Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County (WSTC), under the direction of the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC), is one of 28 local workforce development boards located throughout the state. WSTC’s primary goal is to meet the needs of Tarrant County employers and workers through locally designed market-driven workforce development initiatives and services. All employers, workers and job seekers are eligible to take advantage of these services. The 29-member Workforce Development Board (WDB) is made up of business and community leaders and is chaired by Gracie Vega, with The Gaylord Texan Resort and Conference Center. The WDB work in partnership with the Workforce Governing Board (WGB), which is composed of Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker, Arlington Mayor Jim Ross and chaired by Tarrant County Judge Glen Whitley, to oversee Workforce services in Tarrant County. More information can be found at www.workforcesolutions.net or by calling 817-413-4000. NOTE: Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County is an employment and training resource and does not handle unemployment–that is the role of the Texas Workforce Commission.
###
