TOWSON, MD – U.S. Senator Ben Cardin and U.S. Congressmen C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger and John Sarbanes (all D-MD) today joined Baltimore County Executive Kevin Kamenetz  to launch a new initiative to train low-skill job seekers, including individuals with limited English proficiency and individuals with low reading, writing and math skills.  Baltimore County’s $11.8 million federal grant is one of only four major grants from the Department of Labor’s Workforce Innovation Fund.

“Rebuilding our nation’s economy starts on the community level and this almost $12 million Department of Labor grant will significantly expand and improve job training for thousands of  people,” said Senator Cardin.  “By improving language and math skills for those with limited proficiency, this program will translate into jobs and help boost our state’s future economic growth.”

“With this grant, Baltimore County takes a leadership role in working with industry, foundation and training experts as they implement new ideas for America’s workforce system,” said Baltimore County Executive Kamenetz. “Most important, the program has the potential to change lives as vulnerable parents, adults and youth learn new skills that will lead to jobs.” 

“This program offers a life-line to people who need language and job skills training at a time when they need it the most,” said Congressman Ruppersberger. 

Students will have two teachers in each class; one basic education teacher and one content specialist. All sites will provide allied health-related training, with each program choosing a second specialty based on local economic conditions.  The program will incorporate basic, occupational and soft skills, and job readiness training. Students also receive support services, an optional internship or clinical placement, job placement support, and long?term career navigation.

Baltimore County’s Department of Economic Development Workforce Development Division will administer the initiative in Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Caroline, Dorchester, Kent, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, and Talbot counties and Baltimore City.  It also will support similar programs three cities: Austin, TX, Atlanta, GA, New Haven, CT.  In Baltimore County, the training program will be delivered by the Community College of Baltimore County.