December 10, 2007
Editor's note: The release below sent originally on Thursday, Dec. 6 indicates the funding is for training for people with disabilities. However, this funding has been specifically earmarked for the staffing of nine Disability Program Navigator (DPN) positions and 16 Michigan Works Agencies will receive funds to support local "Capacity Building" training for staff of One-Stop Centers and Workforce Investment Boards through June 30, 2008.

The DPN Initiative will help to increase employment and self-sufficiency opportunities for persons with disabilities, by developing new and ongoing partnerships to achieve seamless and integrated access to employment and training services available through the One-Stop Career Centers.  The DPN Initiative is an effective way of fostering successful engagement between One-Stop Career Centers and individuals with disabilities, thereby providing them the services needed to help overcome barriers to employment.

Additional funding to serve people with disabilities will be announced later this week.

December 6, 2007 - As part of her No Worker Left Behind initiative, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today announced that $963,100 has been presented to Michigan Works! agencies (MWAs) to provide jobs training to help people with disabilities obtain good paying jobs and become self-sufficient. 

"We want to help people with disabilities gain the skills they need to find a good paying job and become valued contributors to Michigan's transforming economy," said Governor Jennifer M. Granholm. "This career training will help them navigate through the challenges of seeking work, overcome barriers to employment, get a good job, and achieve financial independence." 

Governor Granholm announced the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative in August; an innovative plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations and emerging industries or entrepreneurial endeavors. NWLB gives Michigan workers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to win good-paying jobs in today's global economy. By reorganizing and augmenting federal funds currently used for workforce development, NWLB will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) that oversees the NWLB program has increased the funding for this type of award by dedicating all available resources to training, including Work Incentive Grant funds for the Disability Program Navigator (DPN) initiative that provides job training to Michigan citizens with disabilities.  DPN funding is used to expand Michigan's workforce development system's capacity to serve customers with disabilities by increasing access to services for occupational skill development, job placement or retention, or career advancement.

The federal Workforce Investment Act is the primary funding source for the No Worker Left Behind program.  Funding for the DPN initiative is through U.S. Department of Labor and is administered by DLEG's Bureau of Workforce Programs.   A table is attached that provides the specific funding amounts for each MWA.  To view an interactive map of the state's 25 Michigan Works! regions and the counties included in each region, go to http://www.michiganworks.org

DLEG is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.

Program Year 2007 Allocations
Disability Program Navigator
July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.