US Department of Labor awards nearly $199M in Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy, Training Disaster Recovery grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of nearly $199 million in dislocated worker grants to support projects that enable unemployed and underemployed people to enter, return to, or advance in high-quality jobs in infrastructure, environment and climate, the care economy and other critical and growing sectors. These grants prioritize individuals whose employment has been negatively impacted by the pandemic and individuals from historically marginalized and underserved populations.

Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training Disaster Recovery grants are being awarded to 15 states, six Indian governments and one territorial government, and serve nearly 15,000 eligible workers. The grants align with the Biden-Harris administration’s efforts to provide high-quality jobs and build a skilled workforce, while promoting equitable access for historically disadvantaged communities.

“The pandemic caused extraordinary disruption in our economy and disproportionately harmed people in disadvantaged communities,” said Secretary of Labor Marty Walsh. “The Biden-Harris administration’s actions fueled a strong recovery and historic economic growth. As we enter new phases in the recovery, we must ensure all communities have the support they need to thrive.”

Authorized by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act of 2014, Dislocated Worker Grants temporarily expand the service capacity of dislocated worker programs by providing funding assistance in response to large, unexpected economic events that cause significant job losses. On July 5, 2022, the department announced the availability of funds for QUEST Disaster Recovery National Dislocated Worker grants of up to $15 million per applicant. 

A list of Quality Jobs, Equity, Strategy and Training Disaster Recovery grant recipients follows this release.