Grant brings promise of better jobs to Delawareans

State and federal officials say a $3.5 million grant is designed to help about 600 residents gain the experience they need to move into good-paying jobs.

The America's Promise Grant program was created by the U.S. Department of Labor to develop a pipeline of workers to fill jobs or attract overseas companies to tap into the local workforce.

On Jan. 6, officials gathered at Delaware Technical Community College in Wilmington to announce the four-year, $3.5 million grant that will provide tuition to students who enroll in one of nine certification programs in IT or manufacturing.

“Our goal is to help approximately 600 unemployed or underemployed Delawareans earn industry-recognized credentials that will help them move into middle and highly skilled positions that pay good salaries,” said Delaware Tech President Mark Brainard.

Individuals who enroll in one of the nine programs can get on-the-job training and will be prepared for certification exams once they’ve completed it.

“Manufacturing and IT jobs are good-paying jobs, and we need more of them in Delaware and in the United States,” said U.S. Sen. Tom Carper, D-Delaware. “Our local employers – from our IT companies and banks to our manufacturing companies – are in need of highly skilled workers to join their workforce. And if we have these skilled workers here, more companies will bring their good-paying jobs to Delaware.”

U.S. Sen. Chris Coons, D-Delaware, echoed optimism that a trained workforce is key to better-paying jobs.

“Once they earn certificates, they will have the tools in their toolbox to become marketable employees for good, high-paying jobs,” he said.

U.S. Rep. Lisa Blunt Rochester, D-Delaware, thanked her colleagues for bringing the grant money to Delaware.

“In an increasingly global economy, it’s absolutely critical that we invest in building a strong workforce so employers have the opportunity to hire talented workers to help their businesses grow and thrive ... I’m thrilled that the U.S. Department of Labor recognized both the importance of this grant to our workforce as well as the caliber of Delaware Tech,” she said.

The creation of the America’s Promise Grant is the result of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act passed in 2015. This year, the Employment and Training Administration awarded grants to 23 regional workforce partnerships providing services in 28 states.