Second Round of Funding Makes $48 Million Available to Help New Yorkers Find Quality, Well-Paid Jobs and to Meet the Short and Long-Term Workforce Needs of Businesses
Consolidated Funding Application Through the Regional Economic Development Councils Opens Monday, August 2
Initiative Aims to Create Economic Opportunity for Every New Yorker and Furthers New York’s Goal to Reimagine, Rebuild and Renew after the COVID-19 Pandemic
Governor Andrew M. Cuomo today announced the launch of the second round of the $175 million Workforce Development Initiative. This second round of funding makes $48 million available to support strategic regional efforts that help New Yorkers find quality, well-paid jobs and meet businesses’ short-term workforce needs, improve regional talent pipelines, enhance the flexibility and adaptability of local workforce entities, expand apprenticeships and address the long-term needs of growing industries. In this second call for applications, the Workforce Development Initiative will bring together the resources, plans, and perspectives of multiple state agencies and authorities, the Regional Economic Development Councils, nonprofit training providers and private sector employers to further New York’s goal to Reimagine, Rebuild, and Renew from the challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Applications for the initiative will open on Monday, August 2nd.
“Economic development isn’t about making the rich richer—it’s about ensuring everyone has the opportunity to get a piece of the pie,” Governor Cuomo said. “During a time when our economy has struggled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s even more critical that we build a skilled and capable workforce, and that’s exactly what this $175 million initiative does. The second round of the state’s Workforce Development Initiative will leverage our resources to educate and train New Yorkers to both support their families and succeed in their professional lives.”
“The economic impact of COVID-19 has completely upended the traditional workplace, and we are committed to helping New Yorkers get the skills and experience needed for the jobs of tomorrow,” said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. “Our Workforce Development Initiative will continue to keep New Yorkers ahead of the job curve and create a more inclusive post-pandemic future where success is accessible to all.”
Information about the application process and program guidelines are available here. The Consolidated Funding Application will open to applicants on Monday August 2nd, and applications will be accepted on a continual basis. The funding made available for this initiative consolidates multiple programs administered by various state agencies and authorities.
Applications that are targeted to the zones designated under Governor Cuomo’s Gun Violence Prevention Initiative and that incorporate strategies designed to engage young at-risk New Yorkers in these areas with opportunities to cultivate skills in high-demand, good-paying jobs will be awarded additional points in agency scoring.
Funding and incentives provided by the New York State Department of Labor, the State University of New York, the City University of New York, Empire State Development and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will support critical job training and employment opportunities in high-demand industries for nearly 22,000 New Yorkers across the State.
Awards will fall into one of three categories:
All projects and activities must be consistent with the region’s workforce development plans. More information about the Workforce Development Initiative can be found at workforcedevelopment.ny.gov.
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “Workforce development is at the forefront of Governor Cuomo’s post-pandemic economic recovery plan. The Workforce Development Initiative gives New Yorkers the opportunity to pursue their career dreams through education, training and skill enhancement while helping businesses secure a skilled workforce to accomplish their goals and stimulate economic growth. This incentive is oil to help rev New York’s economic engine.”
Empire State Development Chief Operating Officer and Executive Deputy Commissioner Kevin Younis said, “Workforce development is a pillar of the state’s strategy to generate sustainable economic growth. Supporting programs that train the workforce of tomorrow better positions the state to attract new businesses and industries that will establish roots, knowing that there is a pipeline of skilled New Yorkers with the training and expertise to help companies thrive.”
State University of New York Chancellor Jim Malatras said, “The Workforce Development Initiative is a significant investment that will help close the skills gap by training more people for in-demand jobs—an effort that coincides perfectly with the reopening and rebirth of the New York State economy. With nonstop advancements in technology consistently reshaping how businesses are run, employers need professionals who are consistently building new skills. With meaningful investment from New York State and leadership from the Governor, we can continue to align the advanced training offered at our colleges with the evolving needs of the workforce—a synergy that benefits students, businesses, and the economy as a whole.”
City University of New York Chancellor and NYC REDC Co-Chair Félix V. Matos Rodríguez said, “Workforce development is a critical investment toward rebuilding and revitalizing New York with a broad range of economic development and job training programs that will allow our students to train for the jobs of today and tomorrow, expand opportunities to partner with regional employers and enable our graduates to play a key role in the recovery of the city and region. With the support of Governor Cuomo and New York State, CUNY will contribute the expertise and human resources needed to help fuel the City’s and region’s economic recovery.”
NYSERDA President and CEO Doreen M. Harris said, “Career pathway training for high efficiency heating, ventilation, and air conditioning careers that specialize in heat pump technologies is critical to creating a pipeline of workers that will support our nation-leading efforts to transition New York State to a clean energy economy. NYSERDA is proud to offer funding that will help high schools, unions, trade associations, community organizations and community colleges offer the training needed for young adults and unemployed or underemployed adults – especially within disadvantaged communities and priority populations – so that they can acquire the skills needed to take advantage of new and exciting career opportunities within the flourishing clean energy sector.”
In the first round of funding, over $70 million was awarded to 225 organizations to support regionally significant industries in emerging fields with growing demands for jobs—including clean energy, life sciences, computer science, and advanced technologies—as well as efforts to improve the economic security of women, young workers, and other populations that face significant barriers to career advancement. To date, the businesses and organizations that have received Workforce Development awards include:
150 State Street
Suite 301
Albany, NY 12207
80 M St SE
Washington, DC 20003
518-436-6202
_.png){kind=spacer}