Project Grow

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About this Initiative
On June 14, 2012, the U.S. Labor Department awarded nearly $147 million in Workforce Innovation Fund grants to 26 grantees nationwide – these grants will support, enhance, and evaluate innovative employment and training opportunities.

Changing Lives from Brownsville to El Paso, TX
Workforce Solutions, one of the 26 grantees, was the sole recipient in the state of Texas. With a grant allocation of $5.9 million Workforce Solutions, along with the four workforce development boards located along the Texas/Mexico border, will assist and serve the “hardest to serve” border residents who often lack basic education attainment and English proficiency.

texas counties RGV web FA

Called Growing Regional Opportunities for the Workforce, or GROW, the three-year project will increase skills training and English literacy for eligible participants who live along the border. Project GROW was one of 26 grantees selected from more than 5,000 applicants nationwide for the Workforce Innovation Fund, a Labor Department grant pool created to test innovative approaches to workforce training.

Partnerships
Through Project GROW, the border’s five workforce boards will partner with regional employers, community colleges, and training providers to accelerate credential attainment and career entry by lower-skilled adults. Project GROW will assist participants from the start of the program until the end with everything from career counselors who guide their progress to support services, such as childcare and tuition assistance. The project is designed to take underprepared adults and segment them based on particular needs and career goals.

While a lot more work remains to be completed in the coming months before Project GROW is implemented, the five workforce boards are actively working to make it happen.

In the interim, we encourage you to continue to monitor this page for updates and contact your local Workforce Solutions Career Center to learn of other current opportunities and services. To locate the Workforce Solutions Career Center nearest to you, click here.

Questions?
Job Seekers interested in Project GROW please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Employers interested in Project GROW please e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Media Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Supplemental Readings:

GED and ECA flyer (Hidalgo, Starr, and Willacy County)

Project GROW Abstract

Project GROW Executive summary

Project GROW Work Session Agenda

Future of the Workforce Agenda

Frequently Asked Questions

Competency-Based Degree Programs in the U.S.

Certificates: Gateway to Gainful Employment and College Degrees

Workshop: National Council of La Raza NCLR Annual Conference 2012