| June 30, 2005 |
Congresswoman Granger Announces Funding for Fort Worth Community Learning Center
WASHINGTON, D.C.—Congresswoman Kay Granger (R-Fort Worth) announced that the Department of Labor this week awarded the Fort Worth Community Learning Center (CLC), Inc. with a $970,566 grant for a new job training program for youth offenders. The grant is one of 16 being awarded this week out of 168 grant applications submitted to the Labor Department.
"I’m pleased that the Department of Labor recognizes the Fort Worth Community Learning Center’s abilities," said Congresswoman Granger. "With this grant, young kids who would otherwise be left out of the system will now have a way back in to not only better themselves but also to contribute to the community in a positive way."
The Community Learning Center has proven to be an invaluable asset to the 12th District. Since its inception in 2000, the Center has trained approximately 1,500 individuals with barriers to employment including; low income, dislocated, underemployed and unemployed workers from the Dallas-Fort Worth area, successfully placing over 90 percent in aerospace, advanced-manufacturing job and other industries. The awarding of the grant is a testament to the effectiveness of CLC’s programs.
With this funding, CLC will provide 150 youth offenders, aged 16 to 21, with training and subsequent employment and provide 50 youth offenders with a post-secondary education track. Key components of the program include referral, assessment, supportive services, basic skills remediation, technical skills training and job placement or post-secondary education enrollment. Partners include the local county juvenile justice system, Tarrant County Workforce Investment Board, employer, labor and industry representation, Tarrant County College and other educational/training partners and community/faith-based organizations.
Technical skills training opportunities resulting in industry-recognized credentials will be offered in the high growth/high demand aerospace assembly, automotive, skilled trades and construction industries. The advanced manufacturing training will be implemented using CLC’s Labor Department-recognized Aerospace Industry Training Program (AITP) training curriculum. The pre-apprenticeship (worker readiness training) and apprenticeship training in construction, building and skilled trades, will be offered by union locals of the Central Labor Council of Tarrant County, an AFL-CIO affiliate organization. In addition, a broad array of training and educational services training will be provided from the Gulf Coast Trades Center.
Granger serves on the Appropriations Committee and the powerful defense appropriations subcommittee. She also serves as a majority whip. Granger is the first and only female Republican to serve in the Texas House delegation. Granger represents the 12th District of Texas and is currently serving in her fifth term in Congress.