Sec. 3505. Workforce Development and Shared Prosperity grant program
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/bill/117/hr/1177/ih/section-3505·A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
It is the policy of the United States— that adults have adequate and equitable access to education and workforce programs that— help them learn basic skills in reading, writing, mathematics, and the English language; and equip them with occupational skills needed to secure or advance in employment, fill employer needs, and support themselves and their families; that helping adults with limited skills to attain industry-recognized postsecondary credentials strengthens the economy; and that workforce programs for adults with limited skills should incorporate an integrated education and training approach that allows adults to acquire basic skills while pursuing occupational or industry-specific training.
The Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education at the Department of Education (referred to in this section as the Assistant Secretary ) shall award Workforce Development and Shared Prosperity grants, on a competitive basis, to States or local governments, or other qualifying entities described in subsection
(c)in collaboration with States and local governments. Qualifying entities under this section may include— an educational institution; a private organization; a community-based organization; or a nonprofit organization. A State or local government, or a qualifying entity in collaboration with a State or local government, is eligible to receive a grant under this section provided that the State or local government or entity— supports and promotes the economic integration of immigrants and refugees and their families; has expertise in workforce development and adult education for the purpose of developing and implementing State or local programs of integrated education and training; in carrying out the grant program, has, or collaborates with at least 1 entity that has— expertise in workforce development for immigrants and refugees; and expertise in adult education of immigrants and refugees; uses matching funds from non-Federal sources, which may include in-kind contributions, equal to 25 percent of the amount received from the Workforce Development and Shared Prosperity grant program; and submits to the Assistant Secretary an application at such time, in such manner, and containing such information as the Assistant Secretary may reasonably require, including— a description of the target population to be served, including demographics, English language levels, educational levels, and skill levels; the specific integrated education and training instructional model to be implemented; how the program will be designed and implemented by educators with expertise in adult education, English language instruction, and occupational skills training; how the program will prepare students to receive a high school equivalency credential; how the program will prepare students to receive a postsecondary credential; the occupations or industries for which the program will prepare students for employment; evidence of employer demand for the skills or occupational training offered by the grant program; the extent to which the program reduces the time required for students to acquire English and workforce skills; how the program will increase digital literacy skills; how the program will provide student support services, including guidance counseling, so as to promote student success; and the assessment and performance measures that the grant recipient plans to use to evaluate— the progress of adult learners in acquiring basic skills such as reading, writing, mathematics, and the English language; and the success of the grant program in preparing students for employment and in helping them find employment or advance in employment. To receive a payment under this section, a participating entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary a certification that the proposed uses of grant funds by the entity are consistent with this section and meet all necessary criteria determined by the Assistant Secretary. The Assistant Secretary shall provide technical assistance to adult education providers on how to provide integrated education and training. Not later than 90 days after the end of each fiscal year for which an entity receives grant funds under this section, the entity shall submit to the Assistant Secretary the following: A report that describes— the activities undertaken by the entity that were funded entirely or partially by the grant funds; the geographic area served by the grant funds; the number of immigrants in such area; the primary languages spoken in such area; and a breakdown of the costs of each of the services provided and the average per capita cost of providing such services. An evaluation of any program of the entity using grant funds under this section, including— an assessment of— the effectiveness of such program and recommendations for improving the program; and whether the adult education and workforce development needs of the geographic area served have been met; and in the case of an assessment under subparagraph (A)(ii) that such needs have not been met, a description of the additional assistance required to meet such needs. In this section: The term adult education means academic instruction and education services below the postsecondary level that increase an individual’s ability to read, write, speak, and understand English and perform mathematical or other activities necessary to attain a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent, to transition to postsecondary education and training, or to obtain employment. The term integrated education and training means instruction that provides adult education, literacy, and English language activities concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training for a specific occupation or occupational cluster for the purpose of educational and career advancement. The term State means each of the several States, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section $100,000,000 for fiscal years 2022 through 2023.