HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry today announced the availability of $4.5 million in Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (DLWDG) to support local programs across Pennsylvania that enhance foundational digital literacy skills for job seekers and help provide increased access to employment opportunities, according to Sen. Gene Yaw (R-23).
“COVID-19 has put a spotlight on the vital role of digital skills in the workplace,” Sen. Yaw said. “The Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grant will certainly support job seekers and our area businesses as they work to enhance the occupational digital literacy of their workforce.”
L&I will provide up to $4.5 million in funding in grants of up to $45,000 each to promote digital competency, which includes the ability to search and apply for online jobs, upload and submit a résumé via email, and the ability to develop and maintain a professional profile on networking sites. As Pennsylvania deals with the increased demand for employees to be able to telework, we must ensure that employees can effectively navigate the technology platforms used in the workplace.
Eligible applicants include local workforce development boards, non-profit agencies (community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, etc.) or small businesses meeting certain criteria. Grant applications are due February 17, 2021, and the 2021 DLWDG will operate from July 1 to September 30, 2021.
Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants are 100 percent federally funded by federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 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.
Additional details and the grant application can be found on L&I’s website. A bidders’ conference is scheduled for January 22, 2021, and the deadline to apply is February 17, 2021.
For more state-related news and information visit Senator Yaw’s website at www.SenatorGeneYaw.com or on Facebook and Twitter @SenatorGeneYaw.
CONTACT: Rita Zielonis, Chief of Staff (717) 787-3280