Sen. Carper Highlights Over $12 Million in Competitive Grants Available for Veteran Job Training Services

WASHINGTON – Today, Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) highlighted over $12 million in competitive grants now available to provide job training services for over 6,000 of our nation’s veterans. The grants are part of the Department of Labor’s Veterans’ Workforce Investment Program (VWIP), which provides job training and skills development services to help Veterans succeed in civilian careers. State and local Workforce Investment Boards, Public agencies, non-profit organizations, including faith-based and community-based and neighborhood partnerships are eligible to apply.

Interested applicants can apply for the grant on the Department of Labor’s website, http://www.grants.gov or http://www.dol.gov/vets/programs/vwip/main.htm. More information on this grant and other veterans’ benefits can be found on Sen. Carper’s Veterans Resources website, a convenient and easy-to-use web page that aggregates links to veteran-related resources, including U.S. and Delaware Department of Veterans Affairs benefits forms, Veterans Jobs Bank information, as well as job search and job training guides. The page builds on Sen. Carper’s commitment to ensure that our veterans have the proper resources and support they need once they arrive home.

“As a veteran, I know the sacrifices our service members make by defending our nation, and we have a responsibility to ensure that our heroes have the proper resources and support to re-enter the workforce once they arrive home,” said Sen. Carper. “This competitive grant will help states provide critical job training, development and other resources to help combat the problem of veteran unemployment. As we continue to focus on job creation for our nation’s unemployed, we must not overlook the need to get Delaware’s – and our nation’s – veterans back to work. I encourage eligible Delaware organizations to apply.”

The Department of Labor will award at least 10 grants in 10 states to support approximately 6,000 Veterans overcome employment barriers and ease their transition into unsubsidized jobs. Through VWIP, Veterans receive skills assessments, individual job counseling, labor market information, classroom or on-the-job training, skills upgrading, placement assistance and crucial follow-up services. Veterans may also be eligible for services through other Workforce Investment Act programs for economically disadvantaged or dislocated workers.

Funds are being awarded on a competitive basis to state and local workforce investment boards, local public agencies and nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and community organizations. Grantees must be familiar with the areas and populations to be served and have demonstrated that they can administer effective programs.

More information on the Department of Labor’s unemployment and re-employment programs for Veterans can be found at www.dol.gov/vets.

Should you have questions, please email cantrell.margaret@dol.gov or diegel.brittany@dol.gov

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