U.S. Department of Labor provides $2 million grant to NM Workforce Connection

The U.S. Department of Labor announced Thursday the award of nearly $94 million in grants to support 34 public-private partnerships to provide worker-centered sector strategy training programs in 25 states and the District of Columbia to meet workforce needs created by the Biden-Harris administration’s “Investing in America” agenda.

Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico is one of those programs that will get funding from the grant.

Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico serves unemployed or underemployed, youth and veterans throughout Central New Mexico. One of its four locations is in Rio Rancho. The grant is for nearly $2 million.

U.S. Representative Melanie Stansbury released the following statement following the announcement by the U.S. Department of Labor:

“I’m thrilled to celebrate this crucial $2 million investment by the Department of Labor towards workforce development in New Mexico,” Stansbury said. “I’m proud that both Democrats and the Biden Administration continue to deliver on providing jobs for hard working New Mexicans, especially in contrast with the catastrophic inaction we’re seeing on the right. This funding will be awarded to Workforce Connection of Central New Mexico to invest in partnerships between employers, educational institutions, and state apprenticeship agencies. Because of this investment, we’re moving closer to building a more resilient and transformative future for our state.”

The funding will help grant recipients design programs driven by industry needs and worker voice and create equitable pathways to good-paying infrastructure jobs. The programs will emphasize the delivery of training and supportive services, particularly to those from rural or historically marginalized, underserved and underrepresented communities.