|
|
Home About Us Adult Basic Education Services Archive Bulletin Board Calendar Career Centers Committees Contact the Staff Directions Elected Officials E-Mail the Board Membership Directory Mission Statement New Member Page News Organizational Charts Partners Related Links Reports WIA Five-Year Plan Workforce Training Fund Youth Council |
Back to eNewsletter Page
WIB Secures Funds for Key Programs For some, the summer is a time to relax and enjoy the warm air. But for the WIB, the summer remains one of the busiest times of the year. With a strong effort toward fulfilling the State’s requirement to achieve High Performing Workforce Board certification, the WIB completed its application and submitted it on September 10th. Also during this time, the WIB was awarded a Connecting Activities grant for approximately $127,000.00 to further promote and develop Work-Based Learning Plans and internships with youth. Both Bristol Community College and the New Bedford Area Chamber of Commerce will provide the services that reach out to youth and businesses. New Bedford is also a pilot site with the MA Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) to use its online version of the Work Based Learning Plan. With the support of the Youth Council Director and LiteracyWorks Entrepreneur, UMass Dartmouth’s Worker’s Education Program (“WEP”) received a $25,000.00 award from Verizon for its outstanding English for Speakers of Other Languages program. WEP was one of only seven literacy providers across Massachusetts to receive the award. The WIB also was informed by Representative Robert Koczera that it would be receiving a $100,000 grant to continue and expand its Work Certified program region-wide. Len Coriaty, WIB Executive Director commented, “We’re delighted that the grant was approved and we appreciate the extensive support by the local legislative delegation led by Representative Koczera to see this through.” Work Certified is a 90-hour, nationally recognized work readiness certification that requires participants to meet 50 different business-based competencies. The WIB also received notification from Commonwealth Corporation President, Nancy Snyder, of their financial support for continuing the LiteracyWorks initiative. Another proposal for $85,000.00 was submitted in collaboration with the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts (the lead applicant) and the PACE Family Center is still pending. If funded, the Pathways to Family Success II (DOE #671) would expand literacy services and intergenerational support to 12 – 15 families throughout New Bedford. Currently, the WIB is collaborating with the City of New Bedford, New Directions, Bristol Community College, UMass Dartmouth and a host of community organizations to develop and submit a $200,000.00 Environmental Protection Agency Brownfields Training Grant proposal (due mid-October). “However, this is just the tip of the iceberg,” explains Bridget Alexander, the WIB’s Director of Development. “This is just the first step toward more far-reaching plans that will have a substantial impact on the Greater New Bedford area.” 227 Union Street, Suite 206, New Bedford, MA 02740-5946 PH 508.979.1504 • FAX 508.979.5680 E-mail: Webmaster@gnbwib.org |