KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A Southwest Michigan regional employment services agency is receiving a $1.1 million dollar grant to support individuals who are dislocated, underemployed, serving as essential workers, living in distressed rural and urban communities, or economically disadvantaged.
Kalamazoo Valley Community College and Michigan Works! Southwest Partnership are receiving the money as part of $15.6 million from the Michigan Learning and Education Advancement Program to 10 regional groups around the state.
In making the announcement Thursday, Governor Gretchen Whitmer said “By providing grants to help people make the move from education or training programs to good-paying, high-skill jobs, we can ensure all Michiganders thrive as we continue our economic jumpstart. The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity and their Regional Consortia partners will help people get back on their feet and take the next step on their path to financial security.”
Michigan Works! Southwest (MWSW) service centers are located in Kalamazoo, Branch, Calhoun and St. Joseph counties.
MiLEAP funds will assist job seekers in transitioning from education and training programs to high-skill, high-wage careers, resulting in industry-recognized credential attainment and reduced educational debt.
Funding for MiLEAP was provided through a Reimagine Workforce Preparation Grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The grant recipients, who were selected through a Request for Proposal process that concluded in May 2021, will perform work through September 2023.
