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WIB Awards $500K in Economic Stimulus Dollars to Fund Local Programs in Literacy and Energy Efficiency NEW BEDFORD — On Monday, October 26, 2009, the Greater New Bedford Workforce Investment Board, Inc. (WIB) awarded nearly $500,000 in economic stimulus dollars to fund local programs in Literacy and Energy Efficiency. After receiving $2.9 million in total stimulus dollars, the WIB released two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) over the summer: one focusing on the literacy needs of the New Bedford region, and the other focusing on the quickly developing energy efficiency and clean energy industries. “Our RFPs align with the priority industries and populations of the WIB, and fulfill a big need for the region.” said WIB Executive Director/CEO Leonard Coriaty. A $200,000 grant for Energy Efficiency and Construction Certification Enhancement was awarded to Bristol Community College to fund the Stepping Stone program. This program provides participants the opportunity to obtain enhanced certifications and entry-level or higher, job placement in the energy efficiency and general construction industries, or similar apprenticeship program. The Stepping Stone program includes partnerships with UMass Dartmouth, the New England Regional Council of Carpenters (Local 1305) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. Participants will receive training in energy efficiency, green building and renewable energy. “I believe that the City has a strong future in green economic development,” said Mayor Scott W. Lang. “More of our young people will now have the opportunity to get involved in a trade that has the potential to improve all neighborhoods of New Bedford.” Four $65,000 grants were awarded for Educational Attainment & Work Readiness. Recipients included: New Bedford Public Schools; P.A.C.E., Inc. Child Care Works & The Family Center; Treatment Development Corp.,Inc.; and New Directions Southcoast, Inc. All grantees have incorporated a work readiness component into their programs. New Bedford Public Schools’ program will offer an ESOL class enabling limited English speaking individuals to increase oral and written communication skills in English, basic mathematics and technology skills . P.A.C.E., Inc. Child Care Works & The Family Center will offer the English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) with Work Readiness program to 15 adult learners at their location at Hayden McFadden School. In addition, participants will be able to participate in multigenerational activities that have a focus on workforce development, thus engaging the entire family in the process and teaching children about what is needed to be work ready. Treatment Development Corporation, Inc., will provide a Pre-GED class that will meet 20 hours a week for ten months with a holistic approach to working with participants beyond academic and classroom needs. New Directions Southcoast, Inc., will provide a Wareham GED program for up to 15 students with a focus on older youth. “The WIB’s goal in funding these programs is to supplement programs and services that already exist, increase capacity for training opportunities and address waiting lists,” said David DeJesus, Jr., Chair of the WIB. 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |