October 3, 2006 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm and the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG) today announced $8.7 million in federal Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Adult funds and $9.5 million in federal WIA Youth funds are being awarded to the state?s 25 local Michigan Works! agencies.   The funding will be used to enhance the employment and training opportunities available to Michigan workers.

"Providing our workforce with enhanced job training is critical to the overall productivity and competitiveness of our economy," Granholm said.

The WIA Adult Program helps increase the employment, job retention and earnings of participants through activities such as skill upgrading, on-the-job training, and job placement assistance.

The WIA Youth Program promotes youth leadership development and citizenship through voluntary community service opportunities, adult mentoring and follow-up, and targeted opportunities for youth living in high poverty areas.

Funding for the WIA Adult and Youth programs is made available through the federal Workforce Investment Act and is administered by the Department of Labor & Economic Growth.

The Department of Labor & Economic Growth is investing in Michigan's future by helping to create the jobs of today and tomorrow, ensuring that our children and adults have the skills these jobs demand, making Michigan a better place to do business, and training and placing those who need jobs now.  For more information about the Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth, visit the department?s web site at www.michigan.gov/dleg.

WIA Allocations