Governor Granholm Announces $1,000,000 in Additional No Worker Left Behind Funds to Help Dislocated Workers in West Central Michigan

Contact: Mario L. Morrow 517-373-9280

Agency: Licensing and Regulatory Affairs

November 23, 2009- Governor Jennifer M. Granholm announced today an award of $1,000,000 through the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative to Michigan Works! West Central, the local Michigan Works! Agency (MWA) serving job seekers in Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Newaygo, and Osceola counties. The funds will be used to support continuing and comprehensive re-employment services, including job training and job search assistance for workers adversely affected by the economy.

"This funding will help Michigan citizens upgrade their skills as they prepare to re-enter a global economy where employers are demanding more specialized skills and knowledge," Granholm said. "A highly skilled workforce is key to retaining and attracting employers who want to grow their business in Michigan."

The Granholm administration launched NWLB on August 1, 2007, as an innovative plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high-demand occupations and emerging industries, and also to develop entrepreneurship. In a little more than two years, 102,413 people have enrolled for training through NWLB.

Recognizing the clear link between postsecondary education and employment, 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 provides qualifying participants up to two years of free tuition up to $10,000 at any Michigan community college, university or other approved training program.

The federal Workforce Investment Act, the primary funding source for the No Worker Left Behind initiative, makes grant funds available for areas impacted by major plant closings and layoffs. The Michigan Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth (DELEG), the state department that is charged with overseeing the NWLB initiative, has increased the amount of funding for this type of award through an unprecedented commitment to training.

DELEG 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.

To learn more about the NWLB initiative, visit the NWLB website at www.michigan.gov/nwlb.

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