June 10, 2008 – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today awarded $600,000 through the No Worker Left Behind initiative to the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance, the local Michigan Works! Agency serving job seekers in Wayne and Monroe counties.

The funds will help support employment and training services and job search assistance for dislocated workers in the two-county area, specifically to retrain workers who have been laid off and directly impacted by continued downsizing in the automotive industry.

"This funding will help citizens upgrade their skills for new jobs that demand more specialized skills and knowledge," Granholm said.  "A highly skilled workforce is key to retaining and attracting employers who want to grow their business in Michigan."

Granholm announced the No Worker Left Behind (NWLB) initiative on August 1, 2007; an ambitious plan to train 100,000 citizens in three years for jobs in high demand occupations, emerging industries, or entrepreneurial endeavors.  NWLB gives Michigan workers the opportunity to acquire the skills they need to win good paying jobs in today's global economy.  By reorganizing and augmenting federal funds currently used for workforce development, NWLB will provide up to two years of free tuition at any Michigan community college, university, or other approved training program for qualifying participants. The governor has asked the Michigan legislature to appropriate $40M of state funds in order to train enough eligible workers to help diversify and re-energize Michigan's economy.

The federal Workforce Investment Act, the primary funding source for the No Worker Left Behind initiative, makes grant funds available for areas impacted by major plant closings and layoffs.  The Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth (DLEG), the state department that is charged with overseeing the NWLB initiative, has increased the amount of funding for this type of award through an unprecedented commitment to training.  

DLEG 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.

To learn more about the No Worker Left Behind initiative, visit the NWLB website at www.michigan.gov/nwlb.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.