Funding Facts: Using H-1B Grants to Help Workers Succeed

Funding Facts: Using H-1B Grants to Help Workers Succeed

Funding and Duration of Projects
There is a two-part eligibility and funding system for the new program. Seventy-five percent (75%) will be available to Local Workforce Boards or regional consortia of such boards. The remaining twenty-five percent (25%) will be awarded to partnerships that include businesses and other organizations such as labor organizations. The April 13th solicitation only covers the 75% setaside for Local Workforce Boards. Approximately $135 million is expected to be available for local workforce board projects for the coming year. Individual awards will not exceed $3 million. Grantees must furnish a 50% non-federal match which may be cash or in-kind. Administrative costs are capped at 10%. Projects may operate up to 24 months, although ETA may extend grants for an additional 12 months based upon fund availability and program success.

Eligible Applicants
Eligible applicants under this solicitation are the Local Workforce Investment Boards established under the Workforce Investment Act, or regional consortia of Local Boards. Each Local Board or consortia of boards must represent a local or regional partnership that is comprised of at least one Local Board, one business or business related non-profit, and one community based organization (which may be a faithbased organization), higher education institution, or labor union.

Consideration in Awarding Grants
Current awardees as well as previously unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to reapply. Consideration will be given to grantees that:

Use grant funds to expand current training programs
Expand their training as a result of collaboration with more than one small business or with a labor-management training program
Include and directly benefit two or more small business (100 employees or less)
Commit to achieving one or more of the following outcomes:
1. Hiring of unemployed trainees
2. Increases in the wages and salaries of already employed trainees
3. Awards of certificates in industryrecognized skills

Submission of Grant Applications
Unlike most competitions, applications for grant awards will be accepted continuously by ETA beginning with the publication of the solicitation. Technical review panels will meet periodically on an as-needed basis.

Eligible Participants
Both employed and unemployed workers can be served with grant funds. Bonus points may be awarded for special efforts to target women, minorities, persons with disabilities, older workers and workers in rural areas.

Targeted Occupations
The law requires that 80% of grants be awarded to projects which target high technology, information technology and biotechnology. This can include telecommunications and advanced manufacturing. The remaining 20% covers all other skill shortage areas, including those in the health care sector.

Program Services
H-1B training must focus on occupations that are experiencing skills shortages in the domestic job market. However, training is not limited to skills commensurate with a four-year degree. Programs can prepare workers for a broad range of positions along a career ladder that eventually leads to a high skills level job. Training may include a combination of academic and workplace learning, including on-thejob training and customized training. Grant funds may not be used to provide supportive services.