Upjohn Institute Press

Appendix A: Interesting or Innovative Changes /Initiatives Fostered by ARRA Funding

Burt S. Barnow George Washington University

Richard A. Hobbie National Association of State Workforce Agencies

Appendix A (pp. 345-390) in: The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act: The Role of Workforce Programs Burt S. Barnow and Richard A. Hobbie, eds. Kalamazoo, MI: W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research, 2013

Copyright ©2013. W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. All rights reserved. Appendix A Interesting or Innovative Changes/Initiatives Fostered by ARRA Funding

345 346 Description of initiative/innovation postsecondary training providers to provide short-term specialized training. director Engineers of Energy Association local the SEPSA) linked (under Phoenix Manager” and Arizona State University to fast-track its “Certified Energy with Advisory” training. Pima County secured a subcontractor “Sustainable Building component within the two-year auto tech Training” to add a one-week “Hybrid curriculum at Pima Community College. • The Arizona Workforce Connection has adapted and become more responsive Workforce Arizona The to a broader client base, including incumbent workers; long-term and skilled/ semiprofessional workers displaced by the recession (with little or no prior contact or knowledge of the public workforce system); and rising tide unemployed funding ARRA WIB with seeking employment assistance. For example, the Phoenix services and Worker Assessment” to Dislocated added a “Computer Literacy to its job search/job readiness services. ES/RES has reworked Training” “Linked-In résumé writing and job search workshops to meet the needs of long-term employed who have had little (and anticipated less) contact with the career centers. to serve more clients, maximize results, and unit cost of training, as part the effort conserve resources as funding returned to regular formula levels. • Phoenix and Pima County have funded third-party contractors assigned to the initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type with increased demand with increased demand and broader non- traditional client base or local areas) or Statewide or local initiative AZ Statewide Enhanced effectiveness AZ Local innovations Training to foreshorten the duration and reduce WIBs and partners have introduced efforts Table A.1 Interesting or Innovative Changes/Initiatives Fostered by ARRA Funding (identified during visits to state ARRA by Innovative Changes/Initiatives Fostered or A.1 Interesting Table State 347 WIA WIA (continued) for WIA programs with an WIA for individual staff positions array of local entities (Tucson Urban League, Goodwill Industries of Tucson, Tucson, Urban League, Goodwill Industries of array of local entities (Tucson Catholic Community Services, SER Jobs for Progress) already providing services, connecting these entities in the workforce development system. success, helped to push Pima Community College towards contextualized a significant learning curricula in its adult and developmental education offerings, contribution towards preparing customers for more advanced education and training. Goodwill Phoenix and Friendly House, both long-established community-based, human services and advocacy organizations. health, and hospice care, expanded Six-Sigma Green Belt Black training (Six-Sigma is a methodology that provides individuals/businesses with the tools to improve business processes) as well other project management and job seekers. skills certifications to help career-displaced • • • • • Pima County contracted • which places emphasis on education as essential to workplace Pima County, The state orchestrated the transition of temporary and seasonal workers initially Act to maximize retention and continuity of a skilled funded by the Recovery employment services workforce. Local hiring and contracting strategies were similarly designed to minimize the reductions after the expiration of funding through innovative impact on staff contracting practices with community-based providers. • programs to Worker Adult and Dislocated WIA The City of Phoenix contracted • Phoenix fast tracked LPN training to prepare professionals for long-term, home

Scalable staffing strategies and local AZ Statewide 348 Description of initiative/innovation New hires were largely absorbed by the nonprofits, the county, or partnering absorbed by the nonprofits, county, New hires were largely entities in the local continuum. One Pima County official noted that they avoided significant RIFs by “spreading the jobs around,” which also deepened reach of the workforce system into community and helped to link with other available resources and programs. Act Colorado Certificate (CRCC) . Prior to receipt of Recovery CareerReady funding, the state had launched a statewide initiative to emphasize use of what is referred to as the CareerReady Colorado Certificate (CRCC), which is based on Act funding (state the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Recovery discretion funds) has supported the expanded use of CRCC—over 10,000 workers WorkKeys- this certificate is Currently, have received certificates (as of May 2011). The state based, but it could also involve other assessment products in the future. is also conducting an outreach campaign to make employers more knowledgeable about CRCC and to encourage employers use the certificate as part of hiring NCRC tests (i.e., three tests), but ACT’s regions may use Workforce process. they have the option to identify another contractor with a similar type of testing some concern and uncertainty over whether there will be There is, however, regime. funding and ARRA sufficient funding to support CRCC in PY12 (due the end of funding). WIA and 2012–2013 likely cuts in 2011–2012 August 2009, the Colorado Department of Human Services HIRE Colorado . In ARRA in (DHS) created a subsidized employment program with $11,200,000 Reserve Funds that would provide a safety net for individuals TANF supplemental The intent of the program was to help stabilize who had exhausted their UI benefits. program by providing an alternate source of income support for TANF the state’s eligible families. DHS entered into an interagency agreement with the

(TANF recipients) (TANF and work OJTs experience initiative/innovation • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type Scalable staffing strategies • Assessment • Special populations • Statewide or local initiative and local AZ Statewide CO Statewide CO Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 349 (continued) Description of initiative/innovation New hires were largely absorbed by the nonprofits, the county, or partnering absorbed by the nonprofits, county, New hires were largely entities in the local continuum. One Pima County official noted that they avoided significant RIFs by “spreading the jobs around,” which also deepened reach of the workforce system into community and helped to link with other available resources and programs. Act Colorado Certificate (CRCC) . Prior to receipt of Recovery CareerReady funding, the state had launched a statewide initiative to emphasize use of what is referred to as the CareerReady Colorado Certificate (CRCC), which is based on Act funding (state the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). Recovery discretion funds) has supported the expanded use of CRCC—over 10,000 workers WorkKeys- this certificate is Currently, have received certificates (as of May 2011). The state based, but it could also involve other assessment products in the future. is also conducting an outreach campaign to make employers more knowledgeable about CRCC and to encourage employers use the certificate as part of hiring NCRC tests (i.e., three tests), but ACT’s regions may use Workforce process. they have the option to identify another contractor with a similar type of testing some concern and uncertainty over whether there will be There is, however, regime. funding and ARRA sufficient funding to support CRCC in PY12 (due the end of funding). WIA and 2012–2013 likely cuts in 2011–2012 August 2009, the Colorado Department of Human Services HIRE Colorado . In ARRA in (DHS) created a subsidized employment program with $11,200,000 Reserve Funds that would provide a safety net for individuals TANF supplemental The intent of the program was to help stabilize who had exhausted their UI benefits. program by providing an alternate source of income support for TANF the state’s eligible families. DHS entered into an interagency agreement with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) to implement HIRE Colorado, providing subsidized training and employment opportunities for UI Reserve initiatives. TANF claimants, exhaustees, and other individuals eligible for HIRE Colorado expanded upon best practices currently in use by the state’s workforce centers, involving paid work experiences, supportive services, and on-the- lasting up to 6 months work experiences and OJTs The program offered job training. and providing up to 100% wage subsidies. Many participants were coenrolled in and other programs to leverage funds for assessments supportive services. WIA recruited employers seeking to expand, Center Business Services staff Workforce This yearlong program but not yet ready to incur the costs of full-time workers. served 1,724 participants and 1,122 employers, with almost half of the hired permanently by the participating employers, at an average wage of $13.27/ This Feedback from employers regarding the program was highly favorable. hour. funding was not available to continue the TANF program has ended, as additional Act funding was exhausted). program (once Recovery This $3.6M, two-year grant which was initiated Coloradans . for Careers Green The award is to Labor’s Grant. ARRA Competitive in January 2010 is a DOL/ETA The state workforce agency receives only a very small part Agency. Community are the International Brotherhood of this grant ($25K). Key partners in effort Apprenticeship, the iCast, the Denver Joint Electrical Workers, of Electrical This project has two and several other organizations. Community College of Denver, goals: 1) to provide opportunities for incumbent, newly trained, and unemployed construction workers to gain industry-endorsed green certifications and 2) increase access to registered apprenticeship programs address worker shortages The initiative, industries because of an aging skilled workforce. facing the targeted with an enrollment goal of 1,913 participants, provides short-term training in energy fields, such as weatherization and retrofitting. efficiency and renewable energy

(TANF recipients) (TANF and work OJTs experience construction apprenticeship Green jobs initiative/innovation • • • • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type Scalable staffing strategies • Assessment • Special populations • • Sectoral initiative — • Linkage to • Statewide or local initiative and local AZ Statewide CO Statewide CO Statewide State CO Local (Denver) 350 There are Description of initiative/innovation . This $3.6 M, two- Jobs Initiative . Green Pathways Out of Poverty—Denver funding, was awarded to the Mi Casa ARRA using year grant, funded by USDOL include Charity House, Resource Center (located in Denver). Partners this effort and the American Pathways University, Denver Institute of Urban Studies, iCAST, is on Denver’s The focus of this effort Denver Office of Economic Development. Five Points Neighborhood, with a specific focus on unemployed individuals, high The goal is school dropouts, individuals with a criminal record, and minorities. to serve 500 participants, with 400 receiving supportive services and completing education/training activities and 150 receiving a degree or certificate. twin efforts: 1) the initiative will offer a range of training courses from basic life 1) the initiative will offer twin efforts: skills to highly technical apprenticeship programs, and 2) the coalition of project partners will provide case managers who create a unique training program and Among the types of short-term training supportive services package for each client. are weatherization and retrofitting. to be offered ARRA-funded grant This three-year Grant . Training Jobs Green Energy Sector This to CDLE provides scholarships for training green jobs. from USDOL Arapahoe Douglas project has a long list of partners (including the Boulder and Consortium, the Governor’s Workforce Investment Board, the Rural Workforce the of portion a received WIB Arapahoe and Boulder The others). and Office, Energy grant to fund this initiative. Key project components include: $6 million SESP state’s Apprenticeship Partnership; Energy an Entrepreneurial Pilot Project; Statewide Outreach; Youth and Awareness Conservation Corps; Public Youth Scholarships; site Web Sector Research; a career information Energy Training; Asset Map of populations for training The target Training. (greenCareersCO.com); and Smart Grid are unemployed individuals (including dislocated workers affected —ex-offenders; high —ex-offenders; school dropouts, and minorities apprenticeship Green jobs dislocated workers and other unemployed individuals Green jobs initiative/innovation • • • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • Special populations • Linkage to • • Special populations— • Statewide or local initiative and Arapahoe) CO Local (Denver) Table A.1 (continued) Table State CO Local (Boulder 351 (continued) by national energy policies); incumbent workers who need skill updates related to by national energy efficiency in order to keep their jobs; and entry level incumbent workers energy who need additional skills for career advancement. to the ARRA-funded grant from USDOL This $100,000, Capacity Building . Green Corporation is aimed at 1) developing capacity-building strategies Youth Mile High and 2) developing an energy- efficiency and renewable energy that focus on energy high-growth occupations such as energy efficient assessment industry that will target efficiency specialists and weatherization technicians. Under this initiative, multiple Analyst participants, such as Building YouthBuild credential options are available to Efficiency and Green Building Professional Certification, Introduction to Energy Training. (a college credit course), and Pre-Apprenticeship Certification Techniques Build participants. Youth This initiative is limited to Mile High ARRA This three-day “boot camp,” instituted with Employment by Design . a series of intensive workshops aimed at helping dislocated funding, offers The workshops examine the workers and long-term unemployed to return work. psychology of job hunt and provide instruction on intensive search approaches. profiling model is used to identify and invite about 20–25 invitees The state’s Aurora. each boot camp session. Boot camps are held at the Community College of a total of 634 claimants had attended the workshop sessions, with As of June 2011, The boot camps are expected to 212 being placed in jobs following the boot camp. funding, though the number of boot camps ARRA continue after the exhaustion of held may have to be cut back. youth trades Green jobs apprenticeship dislocated workers; UI claimants • • • • • • • Special populations— • Sectoral—construction • • Linkages to • RES • Special populations— Arapahoe counties) CO Local (Denver) CO Local (Douglas/ 352 This grant has Description of initiative/innovation sources, business incubators, and Colorado Small Business Development is to provide training support 30 entrepreneurs in starting Councils, the SESP businesses. or renewable energy–related energy-efficient through a public awareness campaign to help students and adults increase their and renewable energy. awareness of the benefits energy-efficiency Energy Scholarships. With not all energy-efficiency or renewable energy jobs or renewable energy not all energy-efficiency With Scholarships. Energy has a goal of awarding requiring the skills learned in an apprenticeship, SESP over 500 scholarships to Coloradans who want earn certificates or add their employers. education to meet the demands of renewable and energy-efficient over 300 registered apprenticeships in programs that include a green curriculum focused on the skills apprentices need to meet demand of Colorado jobs require the skills or renewable energy businesses. Not all energy-efficiency That is why over 500 scholarships will be awarded learned in an apprenticeship. to Coloradans who want earn certificates or add their education meet the and energy-efficiency. demands of employers in renewable energy • • • • • Sector Entrepreneurial Pilot Project. Partnering with venture capital The Energy • Outreach. Student ambassadors will be trained Youth and Awareness Public • several components, including: • grant has a goal of supporting The SESP Apprenticeship Partnership. Statewide . SESP is a three-year partnership Partnership (SESP) . SESP State Energy Sector between Colorado businesses, training providers and government to give businesses the workforce they need to thrive and grow help Colorado workers develop Training fields. or renewal energy a future with career in the energy-efficient opportunities focus on industry-recognized certifications and degrees. Green jobs apprenticeship initiative/innovation • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • • Linkage to Statewide or local initiative CO Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 353 (continued) Smart Grid Training. With several Colorado communities implementing With Training. Smart Grid is partnering with these communities to smart grid technologies, SESP provide the needed training to engineers and other occupations support this implementation. energy and energy-efficiency businesses, Coloradoans must know about the and energy-efficiency energy associated jobs and the training needed for them. GreenCareersCO.com was developed as an on-line resource for job seekers to learn about green industries in Colorado. Outreach workshops will also be delivered using this tool. • • • funds to launch a pilot emergency TANF The state used $200M of $285M in September 2009 and then extend statewide one-time purchases of subsidized The subsidy program. employment slots through the Florida Back-to-Work continued for up to 12 months, with a commitment hire at the end of subsidy. The program was negotiated locally and had identified over 900 employers projects, of which the program had placed over 800 at time first site visit. allowed the state to create a huge statewide focus on subsidized employment, ARRA and other low- TANF number of employers ready to engage resulting in a very large to subsidize employers and TANF There is no funding in regular income individuals. manage such a program. Program, which it had not since the Youth The state spent $42M for its Summer and which employed 14,000 in 2010 1,882 2011. JTPA, • 101. In order to take advantage of the career opportunities with renewable Energy for TANF recipients for TANF Program Summer Youth FL Statewide Subsidized employment FL Statewide 354 Description of initiative/innovation The state used ARRA dollars to purchase Help Wanted OnLine, a tool that assesses Wanted dollars to purchase Help ARRA The state used The system was developed by the Conference Board in New real-time job openings. for career planning. Every registrant has his/ below, TORQ, and feeds into the York her own account, and the tool scans all local ads to identify opportunities. It looks skills, career paths, and transferable occupations within the LMI at a claimant’s helps identify real job openings. It is mainly for UI claimants but available to others as well. Officials are now conducting training to demonstrate how use the system. or by phone—few use phone Web Since UI claims are always processed on the The only mail; most use the web—these improvements are particularly important. claims processed in the One-Stops are of those claimants who come to resource room themselves. (Transferable TORQ funds to purchase a new tool, ARRA The state also used Occupation Relationship Quotient) to enhance real-time labor market information This is an TORQ. OnLine feeds into Wanted and job seekers. Help for frontline staff advance over using UI covered employment data, which has a time delay. OnLine also produces Leading Economic Indicators. It is licensed Wanted Help statewide and provides information on real-time occupations in demand so that TORQ provides analysis of training can be linked to specific jobs in demand. transferable skills, industries in decline, those with very good work histories, will have to use their own ARRA, LWIBs After and those where jobs are chancy. They are capturing data on effectiveness. formula funding to renew licenses.

initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type Help Wanted OnLine Help Wanted and TORQ Statewide or local initiative FL Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 355 (continued) As in some other states, officials cited the ARRA 2009 amendments as facilitators of ARRA As in some other states, officials cited the both enrolling more individuals in prerequisite training, such as for a nursing degree, degree, degrees being able to complete a bachelor’s individuals with associate’s which made them more marketable, and prerequisite remedial training generally improved under the 2009 rules, with a 15–20 percent increase in remedial training. Prerequisite training was an entirely new focus. Remedial broader— beyond just a GED, one could get college placement test or other prep courses that created LWIBs were now considered remedial, which opened the door for many. more contracts with community colleges because of the prerequisite training based on acceptance into a skills training program, but this has now returned to restrictive test scores) as a TABE remedial-only training (e.g., ESL, math, or reading, based on pre-requisite to other training. funds have been ARRA WIBs. reportedly well respected nationally and by local system, veterans programs, and the Employ TAA used especially to improve the Florida Marketplace (EFM, their LMI system), which is a combination MIS case employers, and management and job matching system can be used by staff, funds to increase bandwidth and storage capacity ARRA They have used customers. The state has a contract with Geo Solutions, which developed the with new software. and will eventually TAA, and W-P, WIA, EFM system for basic labor exchange The EFM has a link to permit claimants use the include the new profiling system. example to upload their résumé and make on-line information more effectively—for funds permitted a one-time cost for ARRA a two-way match to jobs in the job bank. upgrading. TAA FL Statewide FL Statewide Other LMI improvementsTheir LMI system is ARRA. LMI expansions are a major accomplishment under 356 WIA WIA Description of initiative/innovation funds and $3M from ARRA, and involved working with employers to put together funds and $3M from proprietary and publicly available assessment tools that might create better matches between customers and training better models to reflect current job The models also included the development of common forms and more descriptions. WIBs, and four are The initiative is now operating in 14 contracts. streamlined OJT using the new contract and applications. funds, unique to this ARRA use of signature accomplishment of Jacksonville’s A region, was the purchase and outfitting of five small vans (the size a panel truck), which the office uses as mobile One-Stops to travel sites (e.g., local military bases, homeless shelters, libraries, community centers, churches) where The vans cost potential customers had less access to regular One-Stop services. The state is participating in a nationwide initiative, Elevate America, sponsored The state is participating in a nationwide initiative, Elevate by Microsoft. In Florida the initiative provided training to 1.5 million individuals through the use of 35,000 free vouchers for either a Microsoft suite tools or certificate using Microsoft certification testing. Nationwide, the majority who use the tools but do not apply for certification. vouchers are 41–55-year-olds in Florida because of the state focus on They expect the response will be different Work Readiness Council Therefore, the career education and industry certification. America program through funds to expand the Elevate ARRA elected to use $3M of WIBs to either build on or credit local digital access competitive awards to local The initiative also encourages local donated computers. systems, such as partners’ WIBs to partner with community colleges develop more wraparound programs. Employ Florida Health Care Initiative was begun in January 2009 with $6M of initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type Small van mobile Small van mobile One-Stops America initiative Care Initiative Statewide or local initiative Jacksonville FL Local, FL Statewide Expansion of Elevate FL Statewide Employ Florida Health Table A.1 (continued) Table State 357 ge , was (continued) about $25K each to purchase and outfit, compared the $350K lar The small mobile units that One-Stops in other regions have used. tracker-trailer-size vans are operated at a fraction of the cost in part because dramatic differences in insurance costs and their 20 miles/gallon of fuel consumption compared to 5 The small vans are outfitted with 25 laptops, which vans. miles/gallon for the larger the drivers take into libraries, community centers, synagogues, and churches, set They then move on to other communities, up in 20 minutes, and stay for 2 hours. customers, such as the homeless, and particularly those harboring harder-to-reach military personnel or veterans confined to institutions, they aggregate the vans at job fairs, creating 125 computer stations at one spot. The prior year, they served 177,000 customers. From July 1, 2010, to June 30, 2011, from July 12, 2009, to June 30, 2010, they served 145,000 customers. As the economic crisis peaked and unemployment numbers soared, a number of highly skilled individuals with extensive backgrounds in human resources, marketing, and communications (among other fields) in northern Cook County Throughout the downturn, Illinois, were unemployed and hard-pressed to find a job. stay engaged, and keep your skills tuned,” “Stay connected to the labor force, the message and mantra of the Northern Cook County WorkNet Center (the One- WorkNet the message and mantra of Northern Cook County Stop in northern Cook County). Volunteer Center recruited from among its clients a WorkNet the walk, Walking Network whose members used their skills to serve other job seekers by offering support in résumé writing and interviewing techniques running monthly Network Volunteer Formed in 2009, the Workshops. Employment Empowerment brought over 160 unemployed volunteers into its ranks, who in turn delivered And, in part workshops and support to over 4,500 of their unemployed peers. because they were able to stay active and connected, 70 percent of the volunteers themselves were re-employed within six months. a leverages expertise, leverages expertise, leads to jobs IL Local network Volunteer 358 ,” said one official. to meet demand for IT managers. to meet demand for IT cohort project Description of initiative/innovation Largely because the bulk of its clients were dislocated workers, the Workforce Board Workforce because the bulk of its clients were dislocated workers, Largely have a huge demand for bridge training, and OJTs of Northern Cook County didn’t hiring. Instead, the and carry out when employers weren’t were difficult to organize board launched a highly successful Fifty-two clients participated as a cohort in project that was tied directly to the demand for skilled workers from a set of employers, with training designed to meet this demand and supply an industry-recognized credential. Cohort members had a because of the job at end, and heightened sense of accountability to the effort because of their classmates. “They were accountable to each other This with worker skills and identify gaps in order to inform training strategies. tool will be useful to consumers and policy partners (e.g., Economic Development, Investment Council, Department of Education, and Board Workforce State LWS, to build and funds supported the effort ARRA Regents) and will be available on-site. launch the simulation and bring partners together. funds were also used to improve occupational forecasting (through Micro ARRA providers were not satisfied with two-year forecasting Training Matrix software). and hired LSU to seek input from 150 “driver firms”—those with the most economic impact and highest employment—in order to develop an annual forecasting model, with more focused and richer information. Area 2, covering Area (LWIA, Workforce Tri-County Just prior to the recession, with the Eastern Maine Piscataquis, Penobscot, and Hancock counties) merged Development Corporation to maximize the potential for creating long-term growth a initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type class-sized training with peer group for support development Statewide or local initiative IL Local Cohort project marries Table A.1 (continued) Table State LA Statewide Labor market information funds were used to build a simulation model match employer demand ARRA ME Statewide Economic and workforce 359 . All . (continued) for their region and its workforce through the strategic alignment of economic workforce development. putting all the requirements together for one coherent strategy “We’re seek to) integrate and align workforce economic development region. . (We systems on the ground to work better for employers,” said one official. Act period wound down, together the parties requested and As the Recovery received permission from the Maine Department of Labor to allocate unobligated Program resources to conduct an intensive outreach Worker Dislocated ARRA area to assist in the matching of Workforce Tri-County campaign to businesses in the job seekers to available employment opportunities with local companies. to industries and sectors that represent existing was targeted The outreach effort high-wage, high-growth employment, particularly those that employ or emerging customers currently possess and WIA workers with the types of skills/experience They also or can be accomplished on the job. where training is currently offered Business Services reached out to employers who are currently listed in EMDC’s database, including employers who have hired participants from the Career Center for This group formed the first tier of targets programs over the past three years. or by e-mail Each business was contacted by phone, letter, the outreach effort. to refer job candidates that to ascertain its current hiring needs/plans and offer business to fill employment vacancies. All job leads/openings uncovered as a result of the outreach were directed to Career Center to coordinate referrals of qualified job seekers the employer businesses were also being encouraged to list job openings with the Maine Job Bank Career Tri-County with the and to coordinate other recruitment hiring efforts Center system on an ongoing basis. 360 The largest portion of ARRA ARRA portion of The largest Description of initiative/innovation Wagner-Peyser funding ($2.2 million) was allocated by formula to all Michigan Wagner-Peyser within the state to pay for costs associated with agencies (MWAs) Works! participants Wagner-Peyser implementing NCRC, including paying testing fees for small A (averaging about $60 per participant) and administration of the NCRC. portion of funding ($32K) was also expended on a statewide campaign to market NCRCs to employers (so that would be more valued and a credential The state policy was changed to employers request during the hiring process). across the state (including requiring that all program participants using MWAs take NCRC testing (though TAA) and the W-P, WIA, those receiving services under Though there was a individuals can opt out if they do not wish to take the test). Act ARRA, the Recovery shift toward using NCRC testing within the state prior to ARRA Although provided funding necessary for implementing this policy statewide. funding has been spent, the policy to provide NCRC testing continues throughout state with other funding sources. In an effort Readiness (ECAR) Program. Apprenticeship Energy Conservation female, minority and economically disadvantaged workforce to prepare Michigan’s for apprenticeship positions, weatherization projects, and other green construction funds. ECAR was based ARRA jobs, Michigan launched ECAR in June 2009 with Apprenticeship on an earlier preapprenticeship initiative—the Road Construction Readiness (RCAR) Program (an initiative providing tuition-paid, fast-track customized training in job readiness skills, applied math, computers, blueprint and an overview of the construction trades). In addition reading, workplace safety, to the 240-hour RCAR Program curriculum, ECAR program included a 32-hour This component included curriculum/ conservation awareness component. energy training on lead, asbestos, and confined space awareness; mold remediation safe National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC). National Career (ES/W-P/TAA) initiative/innovation • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • Apprenticeship • Assessment Statewide or local initiative MI Statewide MI Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 361 (continued) working practices; principals of thermal insulation, geothermal and solar energy; working practices; principals of thermal insulation, geothermal and solar energy; supportive and principals of green construction. Similar to RCAR, ECAR offered services, placement assistance, and completion certificates. funding ($750,000) Wagner-Peyser navigators (DPNs). ARRA Disability program was used to fund DPN positions within the state for an additional year after federal funding for these positions ended in ARRA funding for such positions had dried up. have continued to cover the costs of DPNs in local though some MWAs July 2011, funding. W-P offices/One-Stops using regular ARRA- total of $7.8M A UI claimants. Expanded/intensified RES services for to provide Agencies (MWAs) Works! RES funding was allocated for Michigan had to submit a plan expanded and intensified RES for UI claimants. Each MWA The state capped funding amounts and request a specific amount of RES funding. allocation. RES funding W-P at 175 percent of the local area’s for each MWA was to be used exclusively serve UI claimants, including support delivery of the following types services: comprehensive assessment; one-on-one case management services; development of an individual service strategy; orientation to Left Behind Initiative”; targeting Worker “No training available under Michigan’s white-collar UI claimants (such as holding workshops and job clubs for workers, as well providing networking opportunities and social supports); other activities to better connect UI claimants workforce services. RES funding could be used to pay for technological improvements (for example, new software to help with case management and tracking of UI claimants). Funding could be used to rent additional office space needed handle increased numbers of UI claimants attending RES orientation sessions. Most funding was expended on increased staffing levels to provide RES services—especially pay costs for hiring temporary An objective of the added and to pay overtime for existing staff. (limited-term) staff extend hours and secure temporary additional office resources was to help MWA to handle increased numbers of UI claimants being served space and temporary staff in local workforce areas. • • • Disability navigators • Special populations MI Statewide MI Statewide RES 362 Description of initiative/innovation ), which disseminates information about the initiative and is a resource on green Under the LMI consortium grant (on which Indiana, Ohio, grant (on which Indiana, LMI Consortium Grant. Under the consortium and Michigan collaborated), there were number of important achievements. First, in Michigan and Ohio produced a Green Jobs Report, which assessed LMI staff in the consortium states and skills required of the types of green jobs emerging workers to fill these jobs (including transferable skills that auto possessed and would use to make the transition employment within green jobs sector). site (www.drivingworkforcechange. Web developed a Second, the consortium staff org Third, jobs for employers, job seekers, and workforce development professionals. the consortium developed an Internet-based tool that provides job seekers with the ability to translate skills they used in their former occupations identify potential green jobs/occupations for which the job seeker would likely qualify. This tool is focused, for example, on providing assistance to autoworkers that have lost their manufacturing jobs in recent years and may not be knowledgeable about green jobs. Fourth, under this grant, the state their transferable skills to emerging Michigan workforce agency purchased a one-year subscription to the Conference This LMI system provides administrators and staff OnLine. Wanted Help Board’s in One-Stop Career Centers) with real-time data on job openings, (including staff The data from the Help occupations. including those in high-demand and emerging OnLine system was found to be extremely helpful and, as a result, the state Wanted workforce agency decided to continue its subscription with the Conference Board funding was exhausted. Fifth, under the consortium grant a green jobs ARRA after Change”), which was focused on the greening Workforce conference (“Driving total A was held in Dearborn, Michigan, May 2009. of the automotive industry, academia, of 225 attended this conference, including representatives MWAs, employers, and economic workforce development officials. initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type Statewide or local initiative MI Statewide LMI green jobs Table A.1 (continued) Table State 363 (continued) During the recession and Recovery Act, Montana’s community colleges proved Act, Montana’s During the recession and Recovery themselves strong and dedicated partners—joining with the public workforce Technology The Helena Center for residents. system to support reskilling the state’s a 50 percent reduction in tuition for dislocated workers on seat-available offered The Educational Opportunity Center out of Northern Community College basis. (whose focus is on supporting the first in a family to attend an institution of higher twice weekly workshops on applying for Pell Grants. In Kalispell, education) offered where unemployment reached levels twice that of the rest state, Flathead and its class sizes. It Community College increased both its class offerings Valley in Libby, Welding also began a special welding track in conjunction with Stinger Montana, where an expected 250 jobs were to open up. The state supported the priority to train as many individuals possible JobsNOW. initiative, created by the governor. and as quickly possible through its JobsNOW economic development and ARRA that coordinates is a statewide effort JobsNOW training resources on creating new jobs, sustaining current job s, and finding residents initiative also focuses on sector strategies The JobsNOW employment opportunities. that linked workforce and economic development. DWD its partners saw there was business growth or stability in some industry sectors and certain regions of the state. For example, there is still a need for workers in manufacturing, but workers need skill upgrades to qualify for advanced manufacturing jobs. Health care, biotechnology and pharmaceuticals, aerospace are other sectors in North Carolina While the state is interested in building green economy that need skilled workers. and there are positive signs of its growth, it is still an evolving sector in North Carolina, and there are not enough jobs yet to dedicate signific ant training dollars funds ARRA Part of this initiative is a program called “12 to 6,” where the sector. community are being used to develop short-term training opportunities in the state’s WIA-eligible individuals to obtain a The intent of the program is to refer colleges. certification in one of 12 high-demand occupations within six mo nths. Begun the funds and pays for ARRA WIA fall of 2009, this initiative used $13.45 million in tuition, fees, transportation, books, and other related instructional materials. Community college collaboration and Kalispell) MT Local (Helena NC Statewide Training 364 1, Job Description of initiative/innovation North Carolina Department of Corrections—Prisoner Reentry Initiative. The Department of Corrections—Prisoner North Carolina Prisoner Reentry Initiative is a federally funded program that provides employment Nash/Edgecombe, and in Mecklenburg, assistance to recently released offenders funds were used to expand the program more ARRA New Hanover counties. populated parts of the state and expand services beyond job placement—services such as housing, transportation, child care, on-the-job training, basic education, and occupational skills training. Employment training opportunities (i.e., OJT) were also where employers were reimbursed up to 50 percent of developed for ex-offenders wages for providing these experiences. Between January 2010 and June 201 developers provided direct employment services to 4,224 recently released offenders They found jobs as cooks, and secured employment for 530 of these individuals. stock clerk order fillers, welders, dishwashers, food service preps, construction workers, housekeepers, upholsterers, laundry operators, sales representatives, landscape specialists, personal care aides, truck drivers, heating, ventilating and technicians, packagers, and certified nursing assistants. air conditioning (HVAC) also participated in employment training opportunities. Job ex-offenders Twenty-two developers also enrolled 157 into training using ITAs. Department of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention North Carolina project is being funded through The DJJDP (DJJDP) Demonstration Project. opportunities for youth in the department’s dollars to develop OJT WIA ARRA system. Students are paid minimum wage to participate in internships the stock/ warehouse, custodial, cafeteria, kennel management, horticulture, car wash, retail assistant, and clerical assistant fields. Career specialists assess teacher’s stocker, the project had April 2011, As of certification program. WorkKeys youth using the The project also worked to bring a worked with 274 youth, and 120 had internships. initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type ex-offenders (adult and ex-offenders juvenile) Statewide or local initiative NC Statewide Special populations— Table A.1 (continued) Table State 365 (continued) fered a community resource guide, created regional The center also of

4-H club to youth at the different campuses. Career specialists made presentations to 4-H club to youth at the different community leaders and youth councils on the project. . Begun in July 2009, DWD Recovery Project Workforce Area Charlotte which Project, Recovery Workforce Area of the Charlotte supported the development workers in the financial services funds to help laid-off ARRA used $800,000 in industry find new employment opportunities, and to revitalize existing businesses workers in this industry could take classes hit by the economic downturn. Laid-off and earn certification as a project management professional through an accelerated These workers could also take advantage of entrepreneurial three-week program. Development Center Technology training provided by the Small Business and The ProNet Career Venture. New (SBTDC) through an initiative called FastTrac dislocated workers could Center was also created in the Charlotte area; at this center, take workshops, receive career counseling, and attend forums to help them find new employment. The Android users. confidence index, and developed an “app” for iPhone project ended in December 2010. Forty-eight dislocated workers earned a Project Management certificate through the accelerated course, with 28 of these individuals Exam Preparation course and 10 opting to complete the process completing the PMP Twenty of the 48 participants found certification. in order to receive the official PMP All participants believed they were more marketable to employers new employment. NewVenture and would recommend the training to others. For FastTrac from July 2009–July 2010 and 26 had program, 31 training programs were offered sufficient numbers to run the program. 453 applicants were invited attend program, with 390 accepting the invitation. Eight-five percent (333) of participants completed the program, and nearly 86 percent of those who it said that they would continue to pursue business ownership. Business ideas were generated for retail, food, manufacturing, real estate, construction, computer services, cleaning, and agriculture/farming industries, among others. nonprofit, energy, Special populations— dislocated workers from the financial sector Charlotte NC Regional— 366 Description of initiative/innovation – – – 322 found jobs – 6 started a business or expanded current one • • • 172 rural leaders were trained in community mobilization • 1,821 participants received workforce services BIZ BOOST (Charlotte pilot). Beginning in June 2009, NCDOC developed the BIZ BOOST led by the Small Business aversion effort WIA-funded layoff ARRA an BIZ BOOST, Development Center (SBTDC) at the University of North Carolina. Technology and Authority model, Valley is based on the Steel The program, a $340,000 effort, work with vulnerable work directly with business to retain jobs. Staff and staff small- to mid-sized businesses help them retain the jobs they have and grow their businesses through counseling services and leveraging partnerships. From helped to create 318 jobs and retain 76 at BIZ BOOST June 2009–May 2011, a cost of $862 per job created or retained. In addition, 41 business loans (worth $28 million) and 193 government contracts (worth $33 were awarded. Over 6,000 hours in direct counseling were provided to 269 businesses. The goals of this project, which used Rural Community Mobilization Project. funds, were to help 1) at least 80 rural leaders gain a better understanding ARRA of community mobilization, 2) at least 750 rural dislocated workers or other residents facing economic challenges receive direct services, and 3) at least 500 rural North Carolinians obtain jobs through the project or be on a viable career path. grants were awarded in rural communities across the state, and activities Twelve The project achieved the following goals by end of began in January 2010. April 30, 2011: grants on rural workforce areas initiative/innovation • Type of ARRA-funded Type Business services— aversion layoff • Special populations— Statewide or local initiative Charlotte NC Regional— NC Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 367 (continued) —research publication exploring the with Wagner-Peyser funds that could not be spent Wagner-Peyser with and Special Research Projects and Special Research – – – – 576 obtained credentials – 159 obtained a job and credential – 195 received a career readiness credential Business Survivability in North Dakota • • • • of the price oil on hiring in Bakken Oil Reserve area Effect • study WIA • trends in business survivability the state of North Dakota The task force is working with 11 The task force is working with 11 project. Force—i3D Task BRAC Regional Air Force Base counties and 70-plus municipalities in the Fort Bragg Pope development was to be a key part of the strategy for expansion Workforce region. as there will be many employment opportunities for local of Fort Bragg in 2011 funds to expand its interactive three- ARRA The task force is using residents. dimensional (i3D) initiative, which uses portable learning systems installed at eight high schools around the region. By end of grant, community colleges and 11 the task force had trained approximately 150 high school teachers on learning with new training material developed for students throughout the project. technology, Development of Resource Guide after September 30, 2010. See entry under RES. Dashboards The RES clients are sent a letter case management services by phone : Provided They notifying them that they have been selected to participate in the program. The case are given a phone appointment time and the name of their case manager. suggestions about manager helps them prepare their career/job search plan, offers job search resources, assists with résumé preparation, and schedules workshops at The case manager is housed with the UI the local JobService North Dakota office. operation and does not meet with clients face to at any point in the process. outh Y Fayetteville Fayetteville and other areas NC Regional— ND Statewide RES ND StatewideND Statewide RES-Wagner-Peyser Wagner-Peyser-RES 368

Description of initiative/innovation Effective Job Search Strategies manual now being used Effective Job Search throughout the JSND system. State officials mentioned a state-funded workforce development program, North which is designed to provide incentives businesses Training, Dakota New Jobs and industries that are starting operations, expanding within the state, or relocating the cost of training new employees are to the state. Funds help businesses offset generated through the capture of state income tax withholdings from new jobs primary-sector businesses or engaged in The program targets created. To interstate commerce that create new employment opportunities in North Dakota. qualify for the program, new companies or those opening locations in North Dakota must commit to adding five new jobs. Existing employers can participate There is also a state-sponsored if they expand by one or more jobs within the state. $1.5 million dollar incumbent worker training program. NEworks has become the virtual foundation for workforce services in Nebraska and ARRA MIS. Its development and introduction required a significant use of the state’s Access System Workforce funds to consolidate the functionalities of Nebraska and Reporting Exchange System (TREX), the Staff Tracking the (NWAS), Assisted Services Interface (SASi). Case management, labor exchange activities, employer services, job orders, automated matching, UI claimant registration, Financed a job search workshop through community college system : Included workshop through Financed a job search development of the : UI staff created an automated work- contact : UI staff Automated verification of employer letter is generated and sent to every employer listed as a contact by A search review. a claimant. Employers are requested to reply if there they have no record of contact a job and declined. or if the claimant was offered

initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type interesting Statewide or local initiative ND Statewide Not stimulus but NE Statewide NEworks ND Statewide RES Table A.1 (continued) Table State 369 (continued) Energy-efficient building and technologies in the 7-county metro region Energy-efficient • • • • and technologies in the 12-county western region Renewable wind energy • Renewable wind and biofuel technologies in the 30-county northeastern region • and the spectrum of workforce programs at One-Stops, as well self-directed While there may assessment and other services, are accessed through NEworks. yet be a few development refinements needed, it is central to the approach for drive to provide better services the increasingly broad swath of job Nebraska’s and efficiently. seekers cost-effectively directed and technology-driven services as part of the restructured workforce system The intent is to use technology serve more clients better and business model. An initial self- increase the capacity of individuals to engage labor market. directed assessment (Kuder assessments and additional on-line tools) is available The state can track the use of self- at all points of the system through NEworks. assessment tools accessed through the One-Stops and planned to introduce this as Nebraska has invested As part of this effort, a performance measure by July 2012. resources to improve and expanded computer labs in the career centers ARRA The in terms of scope and scale. Partnership is a noteworthy effort The syNErgy Investment Board (grant recipient) oversaw the development Workforce Nebraska charter by a blue-ribbon panel of business sector representatives. of an SESP Regional teams composed of members from business, education, and the public industry labor, WIBs, career centers, organized including state and local sector, associations, community colleges and universities, as well federal state development in the three geographic areas. Each agencies, have guided the project’s area has a specific focus: SESP/sustainable energy NE Statewide Retooled business model Act, Nebraska has increased the role of self- Since enactment of the Recovery NE Statewide Partnership syNErgy 370 Association of General Description of initiative/innovation The regional teams developed the projects. Service providers conduct outreach, recruitment, and placement; provide training opportunities, including classroom, on-the-job, customized training, and registered apprenticeship. As part of its role in curriculum development, the University Nebraska prepared a comprehensive inventory of relevant new and ongoing programs courses (comprising the trades of available in the state. Providers include labor organizations plumbing, sheet metal, electrical, and construction labor), the Association of Realtors, and the six community colleges. Contractors, the National incumbent and unemployed targeting The project began enrollment in January 2011, The initial enrollment and at-risk youth. workers, including veterans, ex-offenders, goal was 950 participants: 600 from the ranks of unemployed and 350 incumbent workers (broadly defined as anyone with a job, not limited to those in related Already the project is escalating its enrollment performance occupation or industry.) The take-up among incumbent workers has far exceeded expectations; 153 target. was 85 in six months.) Response has enrolled in the first four months. (The target been weak among unemployed persons; only 20 have enrolled during the same four The project now forecasts enrolling 800 to 1,000 incumbent workers, who months. also can be served at significantly lower costs per training and skills upgrades. best practices and is considering coenrollment where WIA draws from SyNErgy WIA, the project uses cohort/class-size training. appropriate. Unlike initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type SESP/sustainable energy Statewide or local initiative NE Statewide Partnership syNErgy Table A.1 (continued) Table State 371 (continued) Workforce development staff training. The Division of Employment and Workforce WIA Solutions (DEWS) planned, implemented, monitored, and oversaw Workforce funding. DWES has a Human Resource Development unit responsible for ARRA for the One-Stop system Training development and delivery of capacity building. counselor academy was A also supports DWES professional development activities. implemented to train local One-Stop career counselors, particularly new hires, on the preparation of education and training plans for customers since state was uses a funds to support training. NYSDOL ARRA to use their encouraging LWIAs variety of mechanisms to communicate policy and reporting requirements, including It conducts meetings with One-Stop operators and requirements, to LWIAs. ARRA or telephone conferences Web WIB Directors every 6–8 weeks and conducts weekly where issues of current interest are explored and participants can call in with have also helped to ensure that the state to train staff efforts The state’s questions. The state to the needs of workforce system customers. could respond effectively they would noted that if they did not devote time to training the frontline staff, not know the value of these tools developed or policies implemented for their in working with The training also helped to build the confidence of staff customers. customers on how to use the available tools properly. as one of their main identified NASWA Case management system. State staff new A funding. ARRA resources in understanding and planning for the advent of is the development of an integrated case management system by NYSDOL effort is being funded through a 2.75 million This effort across nine other state agencies. The new case Agencies. Workforce Association of State grant from the National management system started from a Medicaid infrastructure grant to integrate systems from the state offices of mental health, developmental disabilities, aging, The employment and training programs will be and vocational rehabilitation. offices can track linked to the case management system so workers in different to York The creation of this system will allow New employment-related information. program. Ticket-to-Work be involved in the General organization of General organization state workforce system Approach to ARRA funding NY Statewide NY Statewide 372 Description of initiative/innovation NYSDOL instituted IT procedures to track spending on instituted IT monitoring. NYSDOL Expenditure funds. It has expanded this to its regular formula ARRA training for the needs and tracking. The development of on-line/virtual tools for UI customer system during the York’s customers has been important to the success of New They used technology to figure out how assist customers and do real- recession. to link case management systems will The new efforts time triage of customer needs. also help with information-sharing across programs. In addition, the development of better job-search technology and assessment tools has helped counselors to use of technology tools enabled the state assist their customers with less. Moreover, to manage workforce and UI programs better serve customers. and LWIAs the Re-Employment Operating System (REOS)—a scheduling and In particular, appointments-tracking system for UI customers—helped One-Stop centers handle The increase in UI claimants and manage staffing resource needs. the large 2010 technology was appropriate for serving customers with Internet access SMART JobZone has been successful for at home and has had positive feedback. Finally, career exploration by adults, especially for those whose skills are no longer viable in the workforce. Entry-Level Manufacturing Certification Pilot Project. ARRA Statewide WIA funds were used to implement an Entry-Level Manufacturing Certification Pilot areas. Up to $315,000 was set aside for the short-term project. WIA Project in four of the National Career This pilot program is designed to test the effectiveness WorkKeys tests, ACT Readiness Certification (NCRS), earned as a result of the coupled with the Manufacturing Skills Standards Council (MSSC) certificate as basic certifications for entry-level manufacturing production workers. Four local areas (2, 7, 12, and 15) volunteered to participate in the pilot, based upon Ohio initiative/innovation • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • Sectoral • program Training • Assessment Statewide or local initiative NY StatewideNY Statewide training WIA RES for UI OH Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 373 (continued) Skills Bank competitive applications, which focused on the manufacturing sector. Skills Bank competitive applications, which focused on the manufacturing sector. This pilot project includes an instructional program and testing of completers in Areas recruit a pool of candidates who WIA and the MSSC. Local WorkKeys both are unemployed or underemployed, hold a HS diploma, drug-free, do not have any outstanding warrants, and are interested in manufacturing. Candidates who successfully complete the certifications are placed with a manufacturing employer The instructional training is who has agreed to participate in this pilot initiative. provided through University System of Ohio Partners. Local workforce areas receive a fixed amount of $3,000 per pilot project participant. (designed to meet specific employer Curriculum content is to 1) be employer-driven needs); 2) be focused on measurable knowledge and skills; 3) lead to a job career pathway; 4) result in academic credit, if possible; 5) demonstrate application in the workplace setting; and 6) result a “stackable” certificate. Instruction is to be in the range of 75–150 hours and involve both classroom hands-on experience. to Help. The push toward the use of technology is in part a response Ohio Here respect to With continuing high customer levels within One-Stops across the state. Wagner-Peyser ARRA promoting ES and UI integration, the state agency has used site ohioheretohelp.com, which provides UI claimants and Web funds to create the job seekers with a holistic overview of services available (e.g., help housing, This site is a compendium food, and other aspects of life as well getting a job). and local service providers with content from each of these of state, county, site is intended to assist customers in removing barriers Web This organizations. employment by connecting them to a wide variety of available services. OH Statewide LMI 374 Description of initiative/innovation Building the education, career pathways, and labor exchange infrastructure exchange infrastructure pathways, and labor Building the education, career economy . Ohio received a $1.0 within the new business paradigm of a green Sectors grant from the U.S. ARRA-funded High Growth and Emerging million The goal of this project is to better position Ohio compete Department of Labor. in the green economy by developing a statewide infrastructure to support jobs competitive advantage in the A workforce development, education, and training. green economy will require workers with unique and specific knowledge skill sets. Employer demand for these unique green skills cannot be met without training and education institutions. Coherent coordination among Ohio’s centralized information about educational and training opportunities potential employers did not exist prior to this grant for those interested in joining the green The project is aimed at helping the state workforce agency assess workforce. 12 economic development knowledge and skills gaps for green jobs in the state’s regions by: evaluating current green job definitions and measures; identifying green employers for project participation; mapping the educational curricula assets; identifying curriculum gaps; developing green jobs curricula; publishing curricula guidelines; producing an Ohio green jobs training directory; disseminating WIA-eligible training green career pathways information through One-Stops and providers; and developing new green jobs interfaces for the state labor exchange system. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS) . Works Urban Youth funding for urban youth programs as part of the ARRA awarded $6.7 million of The grant addressed the needs of competitive grant program. Works Youth Urban urban youth to successfully participate in education and training programs that will ultimately lead to self-sufficient wages and occupations based on the labor market Green jobs populations—youth initiative/innovation • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • • Sectoral • Special targeted Statewide or local initiative OH Statewide OH Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 375 (continued) demand. Grantees included 15 organizations representing 12 nonprofit organizations, representing 12 nonprofit organizations, demand. Grantees included 15 organizations represent Organizations two local workforce investment areas, and one state agency. low-income youth in seven counties: Cuyahoga, Franklin, Hamilton, Lucas, An estimated 1,500 youth were served from and Stark. Mahoning, Montgomery, October 2009 to December 31, 2010. funding was critical in the opening Opening/staffing of overflow centers. ARRA of 10 “overflow” centers throughout Ohio to perform various employment functions or reemployment functions. For the most part overflow centers were opened in Toledo, Akron, Cincinnati, metropolitan areas across the state: Cleveland, Dayton, The centers were opened in locations found to be accessible and Belmont-Jefferson. The state wanted to make sure that to the community—on bus lines, for example. The individuals that needed employment services could access these areas easily. workshops, as centers particularly serve UI claimants, providing UCRS and REA The centers have helped the ES to meet surging well as résumé-building workshops. The focus and job seekers at the local level. demand for services among UI claimants has been on providing services that will reach and help the long-term unemployed. August 2010, and the last funding, the first overflow center opened in ARRA With These 10 sites are still in operation (as of July 2011). site opened in February 2011. The state has projected a 12–18 month opening for these centers, with all expected dollars to fund these centers, ARRA The state initially used August 2012. to close by Wagner- funding, the state is now using regular ARRA but with the exhaustion of Peyser funds to keep these overflow offices open. populations—UI claimants/job seekers • • • Wagner-Peyser • Special targeted OH Statewide 376 Description of initiative/innovation The governor’s 15 percent discretionary ARRA funds ARRA 15 percent discretionary The governor’s Constructing Futures. have been in part used to fund Constructing Futures, a preapprenticeship program The goal of the Constructing Futures Initiative is to train Ohioans for youth. historically underrepresented populations in the building trades so that they may excel in a career union construction, ultimately leading to family-sustaining statewide workforce ARRA wage and occupation. ODJFS used $3.2 million from the funds to award grants provide preapprenticeship training. Funded programs are required to help trainees attain careers in construction occupations by preparing them to enroll and succeed in the full registered apprentice program those competitive request for proposals was released statewide to workforce A occupations. investment board applicants (allowing for two or more workforce boards to apply together). Grant awards ranged from $400,000 to $1,000,000 and were given four with programs running from Toledo, from Cincinnati, Columbus, and organizations Applicants were required to provide a 50% match, January 2010 to June 30, 2011. This initiative which could come from any or all of the partners on application. low-income, nonworking and dislocated workers with a special emphasis targets Each local workforce on minority groups, women, veterans, and ex-offenders. investment area recruits eligible participants for awarded programs. Eligible Investment Boards, registered Workforce applicants and required partners include: apprenticeship sponsors, and University System of Ohio institutions. Optional include: community nonprofits, faith-based organizations, partners in these efforts community action agencies, local governments, and One-Stop agencies. Eligible populations, supportive services activities for grant funds include outreach to targeted (including both preapprenticeship and during apprenticeship), b asic literacy GED attainment through the University System of Ohio institutions, training stipends for preapprentices while in classroom work, and eligible tools equipment. populations—youth, minorities, and women Green jobs initiative/innovation • • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • Special targeted • Preapprenticeship • • Sectoral Statewide or local initiative OH Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State 377 , (continued) By aligning the goals of Job Ready PA and the Aligning state and federal goals. By aligning the goals of Job Ready PA funding. ARRA provisions, the state developed a strategy for use of ARRA The strategy specifically addresses: preserving and creating jobs promoting by the recession, promoting assisting those most affected economic recovery, development and industries and priority occupations, expanding energy targeted green jobs to provide long-term economic benefits. Use of data and reports generated Analysis (CWIA) has also informed Information and Workforce by the Center for ARRA strategy. the ARRA, the state began working Experimenting with assessment tools. Prior to the began enhancing LWIAs Two to improve assessment activities. with the LWIAs WIN. and KeyTrain, WorkKeys, their assessment tools and were experimenting with to assess the workforce needs of economically expanded efforts Another LWIA the state and LWIAs disadvantaged. From the success of these local efforts, to implement its use in assessment WorkKeys recently agreed to jointly purchase is being trained by one of TAA, and W-P, WIA, RES, including All staff, statewide. results. interpret and read and assessment WorkKeys the conduct to staff WIB local the Relationships with workforce system partners improved. Specifically UI Profiling. the RES program known as Profiling Reemployment Program (PREP) and utilizing an increased number of UI entry points assisted claimants and tracked their ongoing The change added follow-up information on clients entering the participation. CareerLink is located at the PA staff workforce system as well 99ers. PREP offices. UI claimants who are determined to be likely exhaust their benefits worker profiling system are called into their local CareerLink. through the state’s Each claimant meets one-on-one with a Career Specialist and receives an assessment An individual reemployment plan is or another assessment tool. WorkKeys using funds ARRA plan, the WIA According to the state then developed for each customer. have allowed the state “to expand its focus to emphasize service both profiled members were 50 permanent staff As mentioned earlier, and other UI claimants.” This has CareerLinks. services in PA funds to provide PREP ARRA hired using UI allowed the state to serve more UI claimants coming into centers. Approach to ARRA funding counseling for UI recipients Statewide Statewide/local Assessment and Statewide Reemployment services PA PA PA 378 The tool will allow job seekers, employers, and educators Description of initiative/innovation The state also was a recipient of a $1.25 million ARRA State ARRA The state also was a recipient of $1.25 million jobs. LMI and green The activities under Labor Market Information Improvement Grant in FY2009. WIB this grant, led by the CWIA, have included listening sessions with local directors, industry partnership members, and education to define green jobs track To industry and to learn what occupations skills are needed for these jobs. green how much investment and many jobs are involved in Pennsylvania’s a survey of 25,000 Pennsylvania employers was fielded. In addition, economy, job tasks analysis was conducted to examine the knowledge, skills, and abilities This also allowed them to identify career (KSAs) needed for the green jobs identified. report on the findings is available at: www.portal.state A pathways into green jobs. second major activity of the LMI grant is to A .pa.us (search “green jobs survey”). develop a green career tool. They can learn what KSAs are necessary to to research careers in green industry. enter into the 800 green occupations in over 1,000 industries Pennsylvania. In conjunction with the State LMI Improvement Grant, Pennsylvania was also awarded The activities Sector Partnership Grant. State Energy ARRA $6 million a three-year, WIB, which serves for this grant are being conducted in partnership with the state The main purposes are to develop the Pennsylvania Center for as the fiscal agent. The Green Careers and to provide green job training throughout Penn sylvania. April 2010 to develop green job state issued a solicitation for competitive grants in training programs, which includes the activities, curriculum development, The and supportive services. One key is that the grants have to a regional focus. population for the training programs is disadvantaged individuals, including target those on welfare, youth, and veterans, among those below poverty, those with LEP, The award decisions for two-year projects were scheduled the summer of others. 2011. initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type Statewide or local initiative Statewide System-wide issues PA Table A.1 (continued) Table State 379 (continued) The GRI WIB created a career tech program with work experience jobs consisting of The GRI a combination of work readiness training (a minimum 20 hours over the summer in a classroom environment) and work experience (20 hours per week on average The career tech program included a module of at minimum wage, or with stipends). occupational exploration and internships for eighth-graders, in which participants cycle through four occupations in weeks and then spend an intensive final two accompanies youth to the campus- staff Vendor weeks in one of those occupations. pilot career tech at five A program. based training, a unique feature of this SYEP schools for middle-school-age youth at risk of dropping out would expose them to a nontraditional school environment, contextual learning, and would help connect them The career tech program to vocational areas in which they could develop an interest. vocational areas of focus (e.g., aquatic natural science/bay covered 27 different and office technology). forensic science, graphic arts, IT, environment, cosmetology, but the state The career tech high school would ordinarily be closed in the summer, set-aside funds for career tech schools in four centers an after- ARRA used school program. Participants attended 4 days per week for 2 hours each day after The Dept. of Education runs the programs. Because program used an school. set-aside, which could be used for pilot and demonstration projects but ARRA rules, WIA they did not have to follow regular not be transferred to the LWIBs, and contracting with other state agencies. In order to including the issuance of RFP process, they invited all career centers to participate. be fair in the absence of an RFP criteria would have required connections to other state agencies WIA Also, normally This was the first time officials had operated this to provide wraparound services. WIA, using the sort of a program statewide in conjunction with but not within and the ARRA tech center partnered with 16 youth centers throughout the state. additional funding was the platform for creatively expanding collaboration with There is now the career centers, and relationships have continued to grow since. a shared vision with respect to youth programs in the state, and program is an example of new money creating innovation. SYEP Local (Greater Rhode Island WIB) adopted statewide RI 380 Description of initiative/innovation RI’s Department of Labor and Training administers the TANF employment TANF administers the Training Department of Labor and RI’s Department of Human Services, and for the state’s Works, program, Rhode Island Grant, JobsNowRI, for DHS as well through Emergency TANF it administered the WIBs. Despite having only about 4 months to operate by the time the local response from UI claimants funds were received and distributed, there was a large and potential private nonprofit employers for job slots. Between 700 900 employees were placed in 3 months. In Providence/Cranston the program had a huge impact on low-skilled workers, serving over 250 in 2–3 months, with about a 50% retention rate per month by employers after the program ended. training for very low-skilled individuals, in which remedial and adult education are taught in the context of occupation-specific training (e.g., math the context of shop-related problems). Group training was not allowable before TAA The program was begun earlier as a pilot in the ARRA, only the use of ITAs. The programs. WIA program, and it was so successful that is now being used in WIBs, for contextual training was codeveloped by the state and local RFP with a strong collaborative process and planning that involved multiple stakeholders (e.g., state agencies, CBOs, labor unions, and adult education providers). Contextualized training was already being thought of in order for very low-skilled people to get basic education and vocational training at the same time. state set-aside funds, which they could use strategically and ARRA WIA They used WIBs divvied up the contractors. and the local leverage over time, issued one RFP, The vendor list, consisting of both community colleges and private providers, has to low-skilled workers and allow and the programs are targeted expanded greatly, some funds to be used for curricula development, so nonprofit literacy providers were among the contractors. initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type TANF Emergency Grant Emergency TANF program Statewide or local initiative and local (Providence/ Cranston) RI Statewide RI Statewide training Adult and DW The state has established new training programs, one of which is contextualized Table A.1 (continued) Table State 381 (continued) Now that group training is allowable using WIA formula funds, it has been given WIA Now that group training is allowable using The state set-aside funds. ARRA high priority—$1.5 million statewide, from state grant in because it has applied for an NEG OJT also expects to increase OJT, April flooding, in which it lost at least 1,400 jobs (another official placed response to the number of jobs lost at 3,500) and received disaster designation. employment for economically disadvantaged youth and UI claimants who previously TWC is that HHS allowed the state One aspect praised by earned less than $15/hour. to project expenditures forward and draw down funds for future services. Because eligible individuals were primarily parents. funds were distributed by HHS/ACF, permanent jobs: the subsidy was kept at a The program was structured to target low level (up to 4 months, up $2,000) so that employers would also invest in the individuals hired. at individuals who services targeted Area Board pilot tested DW The Capital The board contracted with a local company formerly worked at the executive level. funds to provide counseling, job coaching, and transition services in a ARRA using professional setting away from the One-Stop office. training funds as grant dollars and ARRA Area Board approached the The Capital After convening groups of employers to identify used them to pilot-test new ideas. Austin hiring needs and opportunities for training investments, the board approached The board Community College with a proposal for class-sized training model. negotiated a new cost structure for class-sized training on par with the of an with some capacity to increase class size for further efficiency. ITA, Surveys of students and faculty found that the class model was successful, enabling students to build peer supports leading better retention and completion rates. The structure also provided a feedback loop, allowing them to engage with the community college on curriculum and instruction in a way that is not possible under structure. the traditional ITA Dislocated Worker Worker Dislocated at services targeted executive-level clients based training model and outcomes TX Statewide Back-to-work initiative funding drew down $50M to subsidize ARRA Collaboration of labor and HHS TX Local TX Local Cost structure for cohort- 382 Description of initiative/innovation Texas set aside ARRA funds to invest in green and renewable energy programs. funds to invest in green and renewable energy ARRA set aside Texas award ($1.13M), The largest TWC funded six projects. Through a competitive SGA, WIBS and six IHEs on the I-35 corridor, for a regional collaboration of five developed content for layering green job skills into the existing curriculum of electrical technologies, and power management systems. HVAC, business and economic development specialist (BEDS), new personnel category, A was established for regional and state-level positions. BEDS personnel offer Web-based workshops and instruction to businesses job seekers on the new workshops in libraries communities LMI/Job Matching system, including offering The BEDS VEC offices, One-Stop centers, or reemployment offices. without local facilitate access to employers, Chambers of Commerce, local partners, and others They help with finding applicants, listing job openings, and with business relations. There are four statewide other functions to connect employers with potential hires. coordinators and about 12 regional specialists. is credited with institutionalizing the integration of workforce services. Past ARRA attempts to integrate services failed because of lack funding. allowed the state to proceed with institutionalization of REA, RES, UI, ARRA There had services integration, which helped expand and expedite services. WIA and that could do outreach, officials had the staff ARRA been prior attempts, but after ARRA, services would have ended perform workshops, and invite customers. Before and the hope that an ES person would be available to help with job search. with REA initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type in the state’s Skills in the state’s Development Fund and college training to target green jobs economic development specialists (BEDS) services integration Statewide or local initiative Statewide Creation of business and Statewide Increasing access and TX Statewide Leveraging investments VA VA Table A.1 (continued) Table State 383 1, (continued) The VEC opened 6 “UI Express” offices just to handle UI claims. The eleven VEC opened 6 “UI Express” offices just to handle UI claims. The VEC to return one-on- RES centers and the new BED positions allowed one assessments for UI claimants who, as official put it, had previously been The new positions also led to more operational “pushed into self-service mode.” cooperation across programs (among reemployment services, UI processing, and materials for ES VEC to create folders of OJT funds also allowed ARRA TAA). outreach, which did not exist before. funds to implement demonstration projects and funded ARRA VCCS used expanded successful ongoing projects, including “Great Expectations” (a foster youth program), “Commonwealth Scholars” (for high school science and math students), “Career Coaches” (a manufacturing careers program), and “Middle College” (for youth 18–24 who lack basic workplace skills and a high school diploma or equivalency). Middle College expanded from five to nine community colleges by the fall of 201 ARRA, and serves 1,000 students a year across all community colleges. solely due to These projects have a very high success rate (more than 70% get GEDs, and 35% enroll in postsecondary career certification or a degree program). In order to increase the number of young adults, including high school dropouts, in high-performance manufacturing through mentoring, short-term training and access to other services in the workforce system, “Career Coaches” was continued and expanded under ARRA. “Commonwealth Scholars,” a program to improve the number of high school students enrolled in classes identified by national councils as prerequisites for career and postsecondary success (e.g., physics, algebra II), was initially funded with funds. ARRA a two-year U.S. Department of Education grant and continued with These two programs are being discontinued, but administrators looking to merge the programs to move from boutique broader systemic applications. and project expansions through the community college system Statewide Demonstration projects VA 384 Description of initiative/innovation The state legislature incentivized the use of ARRA funds for training by using $7M ARRA The state legislature incentivized the use of in state general revenues to match training investments. Local workforce areas earned 75 cents for each dollar invested in contracted class/cohort training and 25 office supplemented the state The governor’s cents for each dollar invested in ITAs. set-aside. Incentive funds were WIA 10% incentive pool with $5.2M from the state’s and aerospace. forestry, at training in green jobs, renewable energy, targeted funds led to increased linkages between ARRA The training emphasis for Lessons learned community colleges and local workforce system organizations. included the need to streamline policies and program implementation, opportunities to leverage other funds in support of students, and necessary improvements referral processes between systems. WDC was able to broaden its training funding, the Seattle-King County ARRA With funds supported ARRA options to more providers with greater customization. training geared to labor market credentials, and also supported cohort shorter-term funds were used for training in the middle ARRA or class-sized training. In addition, (e.g., providing support for prerequisite courses needed to move from one step on to LPN). Cohort training offers such as moving from CNA a career path to another, cohort training With model. ITA WIA a number of advantages over the traditional WDC works directly with the college to set details of training design, the The support services integration, and other aspects. curriculum, cost-effectiveness, model also enables peer supports and mentoring to increase student success. Finally, WDC and college to support the cohort model provides a feedback loop between program improvement. initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type especially on cohort/ class-sized training collaborations with community colleges options with greater customization Statewide or local initiative Statewide emphasis, Training Statewide Linkages to and Local Broader training WA WA WA Table A.1 (continued) Table State 385 (continued) gy efficiency ($2.7M), to support establishment of two ARRA funding allowed Washington to fully implement a new customer flow model Washington funding allowed ARRA The new model emphasizes an initial customer assessment in the One-Stop centers. The model also focuses on three key workforce services: to determine service needs. up-skilling (formal training programs as well on-line in resource rooms); packaging (building résumés as marketing tools); and job referrals on listings developed by new business services teams). The broker” model for working with UI exhaustees and the long-term unemployed. model is a universal case manager who will work to engage the unemployed with basis. workforce system on a longer-term to develop tools and LED analysis focused Washington grant is allowing ARRA The can easily access when working with a client. on green jobs that One-Stop staff funds to support customer ARRA contractors to use WIA WDC directed its Olympic engagement over the long-term. Half of long-term unemployed in this area have never been to a One-Stop center or connected with the workforce system. Staff focused on creative outreach and engagement, identifying individuals in compliance- who were the most motivated in their job-search TANF) mandated programs (UI, activities. Economy (SAGE). In February 2010, DWD Green Advancement for Sector discretionary grant of $6 million to implement the SAGE ARRA received a USDOL initiative. DWD is both the fiscal agent and provides staffing under grant. Key sector partnerships; 2) equip objectives of SAGE are to: 1) establish enduring energy industry jobs (e.g., workers with green skills required to obtain and retain energy renewables and manufacturing, utilities/smart grid); efficiency, in energy through connection to career pathways. 3) prepare workers for careers in energy SAGE-funded activities and services are focused on 3 main areas: 1) ener Green jobs • • • New customer flow model Green jobs LMI engagement •• Apprenticeships • Sectoral Statewide Statewide model Career-broker Statewide to start developing a new “career- Washington Act experience led The Recovery Local customer Longer-term WA WA WA WA WI Statewide 386 Description of initiative/innovation new apprenticeship programs to provide training in at least 3 skilled trades; 2) renewables & manufacturing ($2.5M), to establish one new apprenticeship program to providing training in at least 5 skilled trades; and 3) Utilities/Smart area, for example, funding is being used Grid ($600K). In the energy-efficiency to establish and support the following apprenticeship programs: a weatherization auditor apprenticeship, a sheet metal worker installer apprenticeship, an energy apprenticeship, a steamfitter and heat fro st apprenticeship. These apprenticeship programs will provide journey worker upgrade and apprenticeship training for an estimated 2,545 workers (510 new and the renewables and manufacturing area, SAGE Within 2,035 incumbent workers). grant funds are being used to create a new wastewater treatment plant operator apprenticeship program to train 150 workers (50 new and 100 incumbent workers). the utilities/Smart Grid area, SAGE funds are being used to retool and expand With electric line worker and metering tech apprenticeships substation electrician All of the apprenticeship workers. apprenticeships, with the goal of training 116 programs provide portable, nationally recognized credentials and link workers to clear career pathways. Grant funds are also being used to estab lish or refine a local energy regional of needs workforce and economic identifies which plan, sector energy sector industries, increases worker skills for careers, establishes enduring sector planning funds . WIA and leverages existing or new sector strategy, a two-year initiative (TJDP). TJDP, Jobs Demonstration Project Transitional running through June 30, 2012, was being conducted under an agreement with the The purpose of the initiative is Department of Children and Families. Wisconsin to provide subsidized transitional jobs (TJs) and supportive services and immediate income, diagnose work readiness, create positive history, Green jobs income populations/ participants TANF initiative/innovation • • • • • Type of ARRA-funded Type •• Apprenticeships • Sectoral • Subsidized jobs • on low- Targeted Statewide or local initiative (South Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board) WI Statewide Table A.1 (continued) Table State WI Local 387 (continued) encourage longer-term career preparation to secure and maintain unsubsidized encourage longer-term grant is aimed at placing 375 low-income/ TJDP WDB Wisconsin employment. SC participants into subsidized jobs in public, private, and nonprofit entities. TANF Employers may bring workers on and provide training supervision for participating employer, A of between 20 and 40 hours per week for up to six months. which can hire between one and three workers per six-month cycle, receives full payment of worker wages and payroll taxes under this initiative, in exchange for Entry-level jobs are providing training and worksite supervision of each worker. and workers receive the minimum hourly wage for each hour worked. targeted in UI claimants attending RES workshops; change Substantial increase funding was used to greatly expand RES staffing ARRA Model.” UI “Profiling (expanding RES staffing from 5 to 44), greatly increase the number of workshops held each month, and to provide opportunities for claimants obtain about ARRA Whereas prior to the National Career Readiness Certificate (NCRC). 50 UI claimants attended RES sessions, the numbers attending workshops funding. ARRA has increased on average to 700–800 per week (statewide) with An estimated 40,000 UI claimants have attended RES workshops since July 2009. ARRA, increasing in duration RES workshops are more substantive than before from about 45 minutes to 3 hours. Before the session, those scheduled attend Wisconsin, register on Job Center are required to complete a job barrier survey, and complete an on-line résumé. During the session, each RES participant is pulled out of the class and provided with a one-on-one counseling session to help identify service needs and triage RES participants toward services needed to regain According to state staff, employment (i.e., job search, additional education/training). in terms of reducing UI duration RES services appear to be making a difference shorter duration and obtain (e.g., those attending RES workshops have 12 weeks’ funds (and expansion in the number of ARRA the availability of With higher wages). RES workshops), the state altered its approach to selection of participants for UI profiling model WI Statewide RES—workshops 388 , staffed by 12 ES/ , staffed Description of initiative/innovation workshops. With the much-expanded numbers being selected for RES, claimants With workshops. at both ends of the profiling ranking are being selected—i.e., when model is run, those most likely to exhaust their benefits are selected as well least likely to exhaust them. So, whereas before, RES orientations were attended exclusively by those most likely to exhaust benefits, now half of selected attend are from those UI claimants most likely to exhaust benefits and half as part of available RES opportunities, those least likely to exhaust benefits. Finally, to improve skills valued by employers and take three claimants can use KeyTrain Readiness Certificate. Work tests to qualify for the National WorkKeys ARRA-ES funding was Implemented. Job Service Call Center Toll-Free This call center instrumental in instituting and staffing a toll-free call center. TAA serves several purposes and is particularly aimed at dealing with changes in Centers Workforce provisions and the much higher service volumes being faced by as a result of the recession. State officials note that call center workers, fills a niche between in-person services and information available TAA The call center also helps to provide information site. Web via the department’s and referral services for job seekers located in outlying areas has helped responding to heightened demand for services within the workforce system. Key through this toll-free call center include the following: features or services offered 1) the call-center serves as a general job seeker help line, answering questions and providing job leads to unemployed or underemployed individuals; 2) the call TAA case manager who can handle inquiries about the TAA includes a center staff responds to customers provisions; 3) the call center staff TAA and changes to RES funding was ARRA needing to reschedule missed RES workshops (note: and about one-half used to vastly expand the number of RES workshops offered, of those scheduled for these workshops are no-shows—as a result, the call center has rescheduled about 35,000 customers for RES sessions); 4) the call center the capability to serve as an “employer call center”—employers can in with questions or to place job orders; and 5) the call center serves as central point Keys testing, a major initiative undertaken Work for scheduling customers the by the state and local workforce centers in recent years to provide customers with a transferable credential. initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type UI profiling model call center Statewide or local initiative WI Statewide RES—workshops WI Statewide ES/TAA/RES— Table A.1 (continued) Table State 389 (continued) , staffed by 12 ES/ , staffed Description of initiative/innovation workshops. With the much-expanded numbers being selected for RES, claimants With workshops. at both ends of the profiling ranking are being selected—i.e., when model is run, those most likely to exhaust their benefits are selected as well least likely to exhaust them. So, whereas before, RES orientations were attended exclusively by those most likely to exhaust benefits, now half of selected attend are from those UI claimants most likely to exhaust benefits and half as part of available RES opportunities, those least likely to exhaust benefits. Finally, to improve skills valued by employers and take three claimants can use KeyTrain Readiness Certificate. Work tests to qualify for the National WorkKeys ARRA-ES funding was Implemented. Job Service Call Center Toll-Free This call center instrumental in instituting and staffing a toll-free call center. TAA serves several purposes and is particularly aimed at dealing with changes in Centers Workforce provisions and the much higher service volumes being faced by as a result of the recession. State officials note that call center workers, fills a niche between in-person services and information available TAA The call center also helps to provide information site. Web via the department’s and referral services for job seekers located in outlying areas has helped responding to heightened demand for services within the workforce system. Key through this toll-free call center include the following: features or services offered 1) the call-center serves as a general job seeker help line, answering questions and providing job leads to unemployed or underemployed individuals; 2) the call TAA case manager who can handle inquiries about the TAA includes a center staff responds to customers provisions; 3) the call center staff TAA and changes to RES funding was ARRA needing to reschedule missed RES workshops (note: and about one-half used to vastly expand the number of RES workshops offered, of those scheduled for these workshops are no-shows—as a result, the call center has rescheduled about 35,000 customers for RES sessions); 4) the call center the capability to serve as an “employer call center”—employers can in with questions or to place job orders; and 5) the call center serves as central point Keys testing, a major initiative undertaken Work for scheduling customers the by the state and local workforce centers in recent years to provide customers with a transferable credential. of those scheduled for these workshops are no-shows—as a result, the call center has rescheduled about 35,000 customers for RES sessions); 4) the call center the capability to serve as an “employer call center”—employers can in with questions or to place job orders; and 5) the call center serves as central point Keys testing, a major initiative undertaken Work for scheduling customers the by the state and local workforce centers in recent years to provide customers with a transferable credential. funds have provided added resources (mainly in the Use of Social Media. ARRA form of staffing) to push state and local areas increasingly use “social media,” and LinkedIn, as a tool for better connecting with job Twitter, such as Facebook, seekers and making additional services to the customer more readily available. For can now make announcements about training and example, local workforce staff Facebook is Twitter; job opportunities available to seekers instantaneously via being used to disseminate information on job orders and create a virtual club centers have also conducted workshops on how to use Workforce environment. job-search tool. Facebook and LinkedIn as an effective ARRA provided funding to increase Customers. ARRA Access Points for Added Remote the number of access points from which job seekers could obtain information about available workforce services (e.g., employment and training opportunities) was able to better The SCWDA remotely attend activities sponsored by the LWIB. in customer demand and make services more readily available/ meet the surge convenient for customers by establishing Internet access points at community colleges and other community locations. Customers could go to these additional remote locations to search for jobs and training opportunities, as well attend (via by One-Stops serving the local area. computer access) group workshops offered initiative/innovation Type of ARRA-funded Type UI profiling model call center Wagner-Peyser Statewide or local initiative Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board) WI Local (South WI Statewide RES—workshops WI Statewide ES/TAA/RES— State WI Statewide Wagner-Peyser 390 The On-the-Job Training Program, a two-year Training The On-the-Job Description of initiative/innovation On-the-Job Training Program. Program. On-the-Job Training is aimed at putting dislocated workers initiative running through December 2011, back to work earning a wage while receiving training. Participating employers regular full-time can be reimbursed for the costs associated with training a new, The amount of the subsidy for employers can range from as high 90 employee. percent of hourly wages (for small employers) to a minimum 50 after be eligible under this initiative, workers have to been laid off To wages. January 1, 2008, or have been unemployed for 26 consecutive weeks more. income populations/ participants TANF initiative/innovation • • Type of ARRA-funded Type • Subsidized jobs • on low- Targeted Statewide or local initiative Central Wisconsin Workforce Development Board) WI Local (South Table A.1 (continued) Table State is based on information gathered during visits to states and local service providers. Table SOURCE: