DWD Awards $1.5 Million In Grants To Help Address Regional Workforce Issues

$200,000 will go to the Indiana Region 9 Workforce Board Inc., which includes Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties.

(Indianapolis, Ind.) - The Indiana Department of Workforce Development awarded the Indiana Region 9 Workforce Board Inc. a $200,000 performance grant to help address critical workforce issues in the region.

It plans to use the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) grant, in part, to expand work-based learning programs, which provide internships, apprenticeships and other work-based learning experiences for both youth and adult populations.

“With an ongoing need to find and train workers, WorkOne services are needed now more than ever,” said Patti Yount, chairwoman of the board. “This Support Grant will allow us to sustain our existing efforts while preparing our system for the future.”

The Indiana Region 9 Workforce Board Inc. oversees workforce initiatives in Bartholomew, Decatur, Dearborn, Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Jennings, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties.

“The Workforce Boards are always looking for new and innovative ways to connect employers and jobseekers.  Thanks to the Department of Workforce Development for investing in local solutions to this critical challenge,” said Kurt Kegerreis, executive director of the board.  

 DWD provided grant opportunities to all 12 Workforce Development Boards throughout the state. Each proposal had to focus on improving the workforce operations of that region in alignment with Gov. Eric Holcomb’s and the DWD’s objectives.

"We wanted to invest this money in local communities to address each of their unique challenges,” DWD Commissioner Fred Payne said. “It’s an important tool in helping more Hoosiers enter the workforce.”

In total, $1.5 million in grant money was distributed across the state by DWD to the region’s workforce development boards through this grant opportunity.