U.S. Department of Labor awards contract to produce A Womans Guide to Green Jobs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau has awarded a $265,690 contract to Public Policy Associates Inc. in Lansing, Mich., which will partner with Wider Opportunities for Women (WOW), a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C., in the development of a publication designed to increase women's access to high-growth and emerging industry occupations in the green jobs sector nationwide.

"Women are an important part of the nation's workforce, and there are many exciting opportunities for them in the emerging green jobs sector," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.

Through both a hard copy publication and an online curriculum, "A Woman's Guide to Green Jobs" will provide women – who make up 47 percent of the total U.S. workforce – and employment professionals in general with information on hiring needs, training and entrepreneurship opportunities in green industries. National, state and local resources, including women's organizations and workforce practitioners, will be included. As part of this effort, the Women's Bureau will connect women with best practices and support services to facilitate their success in the workplace of the 21st century.

Public Policy Associates Inc. and WOW were selected through a competitive process. The Women's Bureau expects to release the new publication and accompanying curriculum in spring 2010.