U.S. Congresswoman Debbie Dingell (MI-12) today announced that the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA) will receive a $6 million grant through the U.S. Department of Labor’s America’s Promise grant competition to strengthen and expand workforce training partnerships.
“Regional partnerships between industry, education, labor and workforce training agencies are critical tools as we work to ensure students and workers are getting the training they need for 21st century jobs,” said Dingell. “Jobs in advanced manufacturing, robotics and the skilled trades will fuel our economy in Southeast Michigan now and in the future, and this grant will create a new initiative to prepare workers to succeed in these careers. I look forward to continuing to work with SEMCA to ensure workers in Southeast Michigan have the opportunities and training they need for fulfilling careers.”
“This $6 million grant award will jumpstart a major regional initiative to help increase the number of unemployed and underemployed, non-traditional, and incumbent workers who receive state-of-the-art Robotic Training that employers in the region need today and in the future,” said Greg Pitoniak, SEMCA CEO. “The staff of the Workforce Intelligence Network for Southeast Michigan (WIN) have once again demonstrated their value to the region’s Michigan Works Agencies and Colleges by convening this initiative. We appreciate the support we have received from Congresswoman Dingell and other members of the Michigan Congressional delegation that enabled us to receive this funding.”
SEMCA is one of 23 regional workforce partnerships nationwide to receive funding through the America’s Promise grant competition. The competition is designed to:
· Increase opportunities for all Americans through tuition-free training for middle-to high-skilled occupations and industries.
· Expand employer involvement in the design and delivery of training programs.
· Utilize evidence-based sector strategies to increase employability, employment earnings, and outcomes of job seekers.
· Leverage additional public, private, and foundation resources to scale and sustain proven strategies.
