US Labor Secretary Solis announces more than $78 million for National Farmworker Jobs Program

LOS ANGELES, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- During a visit to Olvera Street in Los Angeles, U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced $78,410,000 in grant funds through the National Farmworker Jobs Program.  The program provides training and employment services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers.  It is authorized by the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and is designed to counter the impact of chronic unemployment and underemployment experienced by migrant and seasonal farmworkers who depend primarily on agricultural labor jobs.  

"Farmworkers do so much for families and for the nation's economy as a whole.  These hard working members of our community deserve our support," said Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis.  "Today's grants are an opportunity to help these workers as they upgrade their skills to improve their chances of advancement in their current employment or seek opportunities in other industries."

The National Farmworker Jobs Program provides funding to community-based organizations and public agencies that assist farmworkers and their families in attaining greater economic stability.  This goal is accomplished by helping farmworkers acquire new job skills in occupations that offer higher wages and more stable employment.  Workers may also upgrade their existing agricultural job skills. In addition to skills training, the program provides support services that help farmworkers participate in training programs or retain their agriculture employment.

Services provided to farmworkers include skills assessments, job search assistance, basic education remediation and case management. Workers may also access occupational skills and training, including on-the-job training.  In addition, the program provides services such as child care, health care and transportation that help workers keep their current jobs or successfully complete training programs.

Of the 50 states, 48 each have one grantee.  California has five grantees.  There are no grantees in Alaska.  National Farmworker Jobs Program grants are awarded every two years.  Today's grants are continuations of 2009 funding.  

Learn more about the range of Department of Labor employment and training programs at http://www.doleta.gov.

Editor's Note:  A complete list of grantees follows this release.

U.S. Department of Labor releases are accessible on the Internet at http://www.dol.gov. The information in this news release will be made available in alternate format (large print, Braille, audiotape or disc) from the COAST office upon request.  Please specify which news release when placing your request at 202-693-7828 or TTY 202-693-7755.  The Labor Department is committed to providing America’s employers and employees with easy access to understandable information on how to comply with its laws and regulations.  For more information, please visit http://www.dol.gov/compliance.

SOURCE U.S. Department of Labor

WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM?

440k+
Newsrooms &
Influencers

9k+
Digital Media
Outlets

270k+
Journalists
Opted In

GET STARTED