June 29, 2006
Thursday

Ketchikan, Alaska (SitNews) - The Alaska Department of Labor & Workforce Development's Division of Business Partnerships is soliciting proposals to provide employment and training programs for eligible youth ages 14-21 under Title IB of the Workforce Investment Act.

"We want to fund programs that will help prepare Alaska's youth for good jobs, particularly those in the high-growth oil, gas and mining industries," said Commissioner Greg O'Claray. "We want them to be aware of their options and give them every opportunity for careers in Alaska's top fields."

Nonprofit and for-profit organizations, businesses or government agencies are encouraged to apply by July 14, 2006, for the approximately $1.25 million available statewide. Grants will fund projects for a one-year period, with the potential for renewal based on funding availability, performance and policy. This youth grant will help implement several strategies in support of Governor Frank Murkowski's "Jobs are Alaska's Future" initiative.

Specific goals include:

• Develop access to oil, gas and mineral resources to produce jobs and put Alaskans to work by providing opportunities for high school students to increase their awareness and appreciation of pathways to high growth jobs and other careers.
• Develop a demand-driven workforce system that supports the maintenance of the infrastructure needed for healthy and productive communities. The projection of shortages of workers in the healthcare industry is well documented. Education, information technology, transportation and seafood processing are prioritized by the State. Youth pursuing career options in any of these fields are required to meet mathematics, reading and writing competences.
• Engage youth in career pipelines that reduce the out-migration of talent from Alaska and to promote good jobs for Alaska's people. The youth program is committed to developing opportunities through paid and unpaid internships, project-based learning opportunities, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs to engage youth early in career pipelines that meet Alaska's workforce needs. School to business partnerships will be prioritized.
• Provide innovative recruitment strategies to the neediest youth populations.
• Engage multiple partners and a sustainable youth workforce development system.

Approximately $1.25 million is available to fund approximately fifteen projects statewide. Projects will have the duration of one year with the potential renewal of three additional years depending on funding, policy and performance.

Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. (Alaska Standard Time) on July 14, 2006.

For information on how to apply and Request for Proposals contact:

Diedre Bailey
Program Administrator
E-mail: diedre_bailey@labor.state.ak.us
Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
1016 W 6th Avenue, Suite 205
Anchorage, Alaska 99516
(907) 269-3744

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