Typhoon Dolphin. Photo: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Territory: Guam

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant

WASHINGTON —In many of our nation's cities, youth unemployment rates are twice, or even three times the national average. While others in our nation see a return to prosperity, a large number of young Americans risk falling behind. Without specific actions to combat the problem, critically high jobless rates can lead to hopelessness and despair. Recent civil unrest in Baltimore has further highlighted the need to expand opportunity for the city's youth and young adults.

WASHINGTON — In many of our nation's cities, youth unemployment rates are twice, or even three times the national average. While others in our nation see a return to prosperity, a large number of young Americans risk falling behind. Without specific actions to combat the problem, critically high jobless rates can lead to hopelessness and despair.

To address these issues, the U.S. Department of Labor is making $1,740,090 available to the state of Texas to fund a demonstration project for youth in the city of Houston.

WASHINGTON — In many of our nation's cities, youth unemployment rates are twice, or even three times the national average. While others in our nation see a return to prosperity, a large number of young Americans risk falling behind. Without specific actions to combat the problem, critically high jobless rates can lead to hopelessness and despair.

To address these issues, the U.S. Department of Labor is making $1,994,350 available to the state of New Jersey to fund a demonstration project for youth in the city of Camden.

State: Michigan

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant incremental

Incremental Amount Released: $455,211

Total Award Amount Approved: $1,321,161

Funding Awarded to: The Michigan Strategic Fund

Number of Workers Served: About 200

State: Michigan

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant incremental

Incremental Amount Released: $455,211

Total Award Amount Approved: $1,321,161

Funding Awarded to: The Michigan Strategic Fund

Number of Workers Served: About 200

State: West Virginia

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant

Initial Amount Released: $670,000

Total Award Amount Approved: $2,000,000

Funding Awarded to: WorkForce West Virginia

Number of Workers to Be Served: About 200

WASHINGTON — In many of our nation's cities, youth unemployment rates are twice, or even three times the national average. While others in our nation see a return to prosperity, a large number of young Americans risk falling behind. Without specific actions to combat the problem, critically high jobless rates can lead to hopelessness and despair.

State: West Virginia

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant

Initial Amount Released: $670,000

Total Award Amount Approved: $2,000,000

Funding Awarded to: WorkForce West Virginia

Number of Workers to Be Served: About 200

WASHINGTON — Effective workforce strategies depend on good data to understand how education programs affect employment outcomes better. To maintain the highest quality data possible, the U.S. Department of Labor and workforce agencies nationwide are working together in the Workforce Data Quality Initiative.

WASHINGTON — Unemployment Insurance benefits and state workforce agencies are vital to unemployed Americans who rely on both as they work to find new employment. To support their efforts, the U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $80 million to workforce agencies — in 44 states and in Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia — to provide re-employment and eligibility assessments. The funds will also implement the new Reemployment Services and Eligibility Assessments program.

WASHINGTON — With access to good jobs and stable employment, adults and youth involved in criminal justice system are less likely to become repeat offenders which strengthens local economies and boosts public safety. However, rehabilitation becomes more difficult when a criminal record impedes the search for employment.

WASHINGTON — The U.S. labor market is in constant motion as businesses react to fluid marketplace demands. To stay current with these changes and equip workers with the skills needed to be competitive, job-training programs must be nimble and ready to respond as labor demands change.

Effective partnerships with industries and educational organizations also allow federally funded training programs to align better with the local economy and shift as changes occur.

WASHINGTON — Successful workforce development programs depend on continuous improvement and innovation. To ensure these programs are efficient and effective, the U.S. Department of Labor created the Workforce Innovation Fund. The fund provides the support needed to enhance federally funded employment and training programs and study these programs to identify and share best practices in workforce development.

Projects in 14 states seek to strengthen communities and improve public safety

State: Oregon

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant funding

Total Award Amount Approved: $499,801

Funding Awarded to: Oregon Department of Community Colleges and Workforce Development

Number of Workers to Be Served: About 100

Funding prepares workers for jobs with growing, high-wage employers

State: Massachusetts

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant funding

Initial Award Amount Released: $980,499

Total Award Amount Approved: $3,214,752

Funding Awarded to: The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Number of Workers to Be Served: About 400

State: Colorado

Type of Award: National Emergency Grant incremental funding

Incremental Award Released: $637,464

Total Award Amount Approved: $4,609,937

Funding Awarded to: Colorado Department of Labor and Employment

Number of Workers to Be Served: About 230