$25 million available for partnerships that improve access to training and quality, affordable child care for parents looking to expand their skills
Grants reflect Obama administration’s commitment to support working families and fuel policies aligned with 21st Century workforce realities
WASHINGTON To help parents obtain affordable, quality child care necessary to pursue education and training opportunities leading to good jobs in growing industries, the U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of up to $25 million in grants through the Strengthening Working Families Initiative.
The grants will support public-private partnerships that bridge gaps between local workforce development and child-care systems. In addition to addressing these systemic barriers, funded programs will enable parents to access training and customized supportive services needed for IT, health care, advanced manufacturing jobs, and others. All participants in grant funded programs must be custodial parents, legal guardians, foster parents, or others standing in loco parentis with at least one dependent. Up to 25 percent of the grantees total budget may be used to provide quality, affordable care and other services to support their participation in training.
“For too many working parents, access to quality, affordable child care remains a persistent barrier to getting the training and education they need to move forward on a stronger, more sustainable career path,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez. “Our economy works best when we field a full team. That means doing everything we can to provide flexible training options and streamlined services that can help everyone in America realize their dreams.”
Grants up to $4 million will be awarded to partnerships that include the public workforce system, education and training providers, business entities, and local child-care or human-service providers. In addition, all partnerships must include at least three employers. Grantees will also be required to secure an amount equal to at least 25 percent of the total requested funds through outside leveraged resources.
The department will award grants in spring 2016 with program activities beginning in July 2016. For additional information and to apply, read the full funding opportunity announcement online at Grants.gov.
ETA News Release: [12/17/2015]
Contact Name: Egan Reich or Joe Versen
Phone Number: (202) 693-4960 or x4696
Email: reich.egan.2@dol.gov or Versen.Joseph.H@dol.gov
Release Number: 15-2438-NAT