Workforce board makes grants available to assist out-of-school youths

The State Workforce Development Board is making $400,000 available to assist out-of-school youths complete their education and hone their employability skills.

Organizations can apply for up to $200,000 to be spent over a 24-month period and must be used to replicate the Jobs for America’s Graduates (JAG) in-school model, which was piloted in South Carolina in 2005.

“We are excited to be able to provide these grants to help out-of-school youths across our state become more employable by removing barriers that are keeping them back and by improving their level of education,” said Jay Holloway, chairman of SWDB’s Priority Population committee.

To be eligible for the grants, the programs must target individuals between the ages of 16 and 24 who are no longer enrolled in school and have barriers to employment. The applicants must also partner with relevant workforce, education, community partners and JAG-SC.

During the program participants will:

• Attain basic employability skills through classroom instruction.
• Participate in JAG to develop, practice and refine personal and leadership skills.
• Complete requirements for a high school diploma or GED.
• Participate in work-based learning experiences.
• Receive 12 months of follow up services by a JAG specialist.
• Have barriers to success reduced or eliminated with supportive services.

JAG-SC is entering its 13th year of service and has assisted more than 11,000 students through 25 JAG-affiliated sites.

An informational session for interested applicants will be held on Dec. 8 and applications will be due by 5 p.m. Jan. 10, 2018. For more information, visit https://scworks.org and click the link under news and announcements.

About DEW

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency invests in building a pipeline of quality workers, matches workers with jobs, and is a bridge for individuals who find themselves out of work for no fault of their own. This promotes financial stability and economic prosperity for employers, individuals and communities. DEW is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services that meet the needs of the state’s businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.