Grant will provide training scholarships to help unemployed return to work.

Bridgeport, CT – June 29, 2016

The WorkPlace Scholarship program was awarded a $20,000 grant to provide job training for low-income individuals who require job skills training but can’t access public training funds. The grant was awarded by the Pitney Bowes Foundation.

WorkPlace Scholarships is a privately funded job training program that supplements public training funds. Scholarships help people including dislocated workers, low-wage workers, returning veterans, and “out-of-school” youth get the training and skills they need to be successful in the workforce. This applies to the nearly 28,000 unemployed people throughout southwestern Connecticut, as well as individuals with part time or low-wage jobs who don’t otherwise qualify for other job training funds.

With an increasingly competitive employment market, The WorkPlace has enhanced services and training available to participants to better help job seekers find employment. Scholarship recipients receive assistance from Workforce Specialists to complete a customized employment plan which best aligns with existing skills and is relevant to current labor demands. In Southwestern Connecticut, participants frequently pursue training in healthcare, manufacturing and business services industries.

“The WorkPlace has a long history of serving every portion of the community that requires support and training to reenter the workforce,” said Joseph Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. “Funding for the WorkPlace Scholarships helps us serve more people throughout the region to obtain the training and skills required to secure employment, increase earnings, and ultimately, better support their families.”

###

About The WorkPlace
The WorkPlace conducts comprehensive planning, and coordinates regional workforce development policy and programs to prepare people for careers while strengthening the workforce for employers. As national leader in the field, The WorkPlace regularly shares ideas and best practices with lawmakers, foundations, think tanks and other workforce development organizations around the country. For more information, visit www.workplace.org