An additional $1.53 million in Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants is available to support local programs across Pennsylvania that enhance foundational digital literacy skills for job seekers and help provide increased access to employment opportunities.
“L&I is focused on providing Pennsylvania’s workers with the skills they need to effectively navigate the technology platforms used in today’s workplaces,” said Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Jennifer Berrier. “These additional Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants will help ensure that our workers develop the basic digital skills they need to apply for jobs and perform essential duties in their new career.”
L&I will provide approximately $1.5 million for a second round of DLWDGs of up to $45,000 each to promote digital competency, which also includes the ability to search and apply for online jobs, upload and submit a resume via email, and the ability to develop and maintain a professional profile on networking sites. These funds are in addition to the $1.3 million in funding for 32 DLWDGs awarded earlier this year.
New for this round of the grants, expanded eligible applicants include local workforce development boards, public libraries, library systems, district library centers, nonprofit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria. Grant applications are due Dec. 21, and the 2021 DLWDG will operate from May 1, 2022 to July 31, 2023. Awardees from the first round of DLWDG funds are not eligible to apply for this grant.
DLWDGs are 100 percent federally funded by federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Statewide Activity funding. WIOA Statewide Activity funding can be used to help job seekers and workers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed in the labor market.
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