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Two recent grants will help civilian workers adjust to base closures in North Carolina and Oklahoma. The U.S. Department of Labor recently announced the award of two grants totaling $500 million for displaced workers affected by the Base Realignment and Closure program, also referred to by the acronym BRAC.

“This $5 million grant will help workers from Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base transition to rewarding careers in high-growth, high-tech industries,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

The demonstration grant was awarded to the BRAC Regional Taskforce, a coalition of several North Carolina workforce development boards, universities, community colleges, school districts and economic development commissions. The funds will be used to plan for regional transformation and ensure that workers are prepared for high-tech jobs in support of national military preparedness and homeland security.

The BRAC Regional Taskforce is responsible for:

• Leveraging workforce, economic, and educational resources to support emerging industries
• Connecting the region’s workforce with education and career opportunities
• Connecting military, business and industry representatives with workforce development activities

“Programs funded by this award will lead workers in this North Carolina regional economy to higher-paying, high-tech careers,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “This pilot project will not only help North Carolina weather economic changes, but also provide the region the opportunity to develop a pool of skilled workers who are prepared to succeed in today’s competitive global economy.”

The second grant awarded a $2.5 million demonstration grant to aid civilian workers in Oklahoma. Grant funds will also be sued to assist military spouses and service members who are transitioning from the military sector to private industry. 

“This $2.5 million grant will help civilian workers, military spouses and service members affected by military base closures and relocations transition to new careers in high-growth industries,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao.

In this case, the grant was awarded to the Southwest Oklahoma Impact Coalition, or SOIC. The SOIC is a collaborative effort between businesses, economic and workforce development and education partners. Funds will be used to support activities that will create employment opportunities and improve the overall quality of life for area workers. SOIC will focus on activities including attracting and recruiting qualified workers for employment in regional industries. The group will also expand the education and workforce development infrastructure to support industry-specific education and training programs. In addition, SOIC will assist current workers in obtaining credentials and licensures for other professions. 

“As a result of today’s funding, Oklahoma will be modeling innovative approaches to regional BRAC-related economic transformation,” said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. “Providing workers with in-demand education and skills not only will have the immediate effect of meeting employment needs, but also will lay the groundwork for long-term talent development and regional economic growth.”

These most recent grants come in the wake of more than $20 million in grants to assist several states with planning and implementation of project related to workers dislocated under the BRAC program. Projects in several states will help connect these individuals with job opportunities in the civilian economy.

“These $20 million in grants will help workers affected by military base closures and relocations,” said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. “Civilian workers at those bases will be provided employment services to help them find new jobs in high-growth industries.”

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1. Posted by: Grants for Workers in Massachusetts and Missouri - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] Displaced workers in Massachusetts and Missouri will receive a total of $1,940,459 under the two grants. Just last month, the DOL announced a similar grant to benefit workers in Maine, Oklahoma and North Carolina. [...]

2. Posted by: U.S. Dept. of Labor Gives Workers $44.1 Million - Labor Law Center Blog

   [...] The largest grant under this program went to North Carolina, in the amount of $5.2 million. The smallest went to South Dakota for $118,669. [...]