U.S. Department of Labor announces funding for employment and training programs under American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced to states and outlying areas their allotment levels for Labor Department-administered employment and training programs funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. The workforce investment system will use the $3,514,500,000 to help Americans get back to work through the national network of One-Stop Career Centers.

"In his recent address to the nation, President Obama asked every American to commit to at least one year or more of higher education or career training," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. "This significant investment in employment and training presents a tremendous opportunity for workers and employers across the country. Through One-Stop Career Centers, unemployed, underemployed and dislocated workers can access career counseling, skill assessment, job search assistance, training and other services to upgrade their skills and find new jobs."

The workforce investment system will use Recovery Act funds to increase service levels and address immediate employment needs by targeting significant funding toward low-income, low-skilled Americans. The funds announced today also will support significantly more youth employment opportunities for the summer of 2009.

Americans can access these services through the national network of One-Stop Career Centers. To find a local One-Stop Career Center, visit http://www.servicelocator.org or call 877-348-0502 or TTY 877-348-0501. Online resources to support job searches, career exploration and planning for education and training can be found at http://careeronestop.org.

The Recovery Act allotments will supplement selected programs authorized by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and the Wagner-Peyser Act. Announcements for other Department of Labor Recovery Act funds, including competitive grants to support training in high-growth and emerging industries, such as green jobs and health care, are forthcoming.

A chart reflecting funding amounts by state and outlying area follows this news release. Questions from the public regarding these allotments and planning requirements may be directed to the appropriate regional office of the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) or to the agency's Recovery Act e-mail address: eta.stimulus@dol.gov. Information can also be found at ETA's Web site at www.doleta.gov.

View the chart (PDF).