US Labor Department announces nearly $40 million for Enhanced Transitional Jobs Demonstration programs

Grants to provide crucial services for low-income non-custodial parents and ex-offenders

WASHINGTON – Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced $39.7 million in grants to help individuals with significant barriers to employment – specifically, low-income non-custodial parents and ex-offenders – obtain the skills they need in the workplace through Enhanced Transitional Jobs Demonstration programs. The programs will offer more than 3,500 people temporary, paid work experiences to improve their employability, earnings and opportunities for advancement, as well as promote their self-sufficiency and long-term success in the workforce. At least $15 million of the funding is dedicated to assisting ex-offenders.

"This grant provides needed support to individuals who face significant obstacles to employment," said Secretary Solis. "This assistance allows program participants to provide for themselves and their families and establishes a clear pathway to financial stability and independence."

Each grant covers a period of up to 48 months, including approximately three months for initial implementation, up to two years for enrollment, and 12-21 months of activity for the 500 program participants per grantee randomly assigned to receive enhanced transitional jobs services.

Seven grantees must partner with employers, One-Stop Career Centers, child support enforcement agencies and criminal justice agencies to leverage specialized expertise in delivering support services. They also will participate in a rigorous random assignment impact evaluation to assess the effectiveness of their programs.

When designing the grant competition announced in March, the Labor Department's Employment and Training Administration considered past studies of transitional jobs program models and consulted with the U.S. Departments of Health and Human Services and Justice as well as stakeholders.

For more information on Department of Labor training programs, visit http://www.doleta.gov.

Editor's Note: A chart listing the grantees, their locations and award amounts follows this news release.

Enhanced Transitional Jobs Demonstration Grants