The WorkPlace Receives $1 Million In Community Project Funding to Create New Telework Training Program for Jobseekers.
Bridgeport, CT – March 21, 2023
Congressman Himes joined the WorkPlace to announce an award of $1,000,000 in Community Project Funding for The WorkPlace to launch ProjectRISE, a pilot teleworks training program to assist residents of southwest Connecticut to expand their employment opportunities. The program will also provide unemployed and underemployed women of color with digital skills training, behavioral health programming, and strategies to address anxiety and stress during job search.
“Connecticut is leading the nation in innovation and job opportunities,” said Congressman Jim Himes (CT-04). “We need to ensure that our workers have the skills, training and education necessary to take advantage of those opportunities in high-wage, growth-oriented fields. I am thrilled that this year’s omnibus includes funding for the projects that I fought for including ProjectRISE.”
The WorkPlace will bring its expertise of operating innovative and holistic programming to create this training and placement initiative. ProjectRISE will create a new remote work credential and resiliency model which will include the following key components:
- Creation of a new telework credential that can assure employers that potential employees have the necessary skills, both hard and soft, to be successful at remote work options.
- Workforce readiness and training curriculum to address resume development, job search, interviewing skills, communication, training for in-demand occupations, and most importantly, emotional support techniques aimed at helping build confidence.
- Wellness/Resiliency Training that addresses self-care techniques, behavioral health programming, nutrition, and other strategies aimed at addressing the stress and anxiety common in job seekers.
ProjectRISE will provide skills, training, and supports to gain employment and help jobseekers provide for themselves and their families. Secondly, ProjectRISE seeks to narrow the digital divide—which has been accelerated by COVID-19 and the increasing demand for remote work.
“ProjectRISE creates a unique solution to a problem that has emerged since the pandemic for the unemployed,” said Joe Carbone, President and CEO, The WorkPlace. “The job landscape has forever changed and has created a new digital divide that will strip individuals of both opportunity and hope. The hardest hit has been women of color, whose options are shrinking in this new economy.”
The WorkPlace has a distinguished background in the development and implementation of training pathways, People interested in learning more or applying for the program should visit www.workplace.org