On October 7, Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) Secretary Jennifer Berrier announced grants totaling nearly $600,000 for organizations in Pennsylvania to pursue innovative projects that address the digital literacy needs of workers in their communities. This third round of Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants (DLWDG) funding brings the Wolf administration’s total investment in the digital literacy of Pennsylvanians to approximately $2.8 million, or nearly $900,000 awarded earlier this year and $1.3 million awarded in 2021.
“These investments are important because they break down the barriers between Pennsylvania workers and family jobs that require digital literacy skills to succeed,” Secretary Berrier said. “Pennsylvania’s economy and employers compete globally, so it’s crucial that we develop Pennsylvania workers to be competitive at this level from day one in a new job.”
Addressing the current digital literacy barrier, the DLWDG grant was created to support local programs that provide digital literacy training for individuals to develop and maintain the skills needed to gain high-quality jobs. The DLWDGs are 100% funded by the federal government through federal business funding from the Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). WIOA’s statewide activity funding can be used to help job seekers and workers access employment, education, training and support services to succeed on the work market.
To view full application guidelines and more details, visit Digital Literacy and Workforce Development Grants. The latest round of grants supports the following organizations and projects.
Berks Latino Workforce Development Corp. – $45,000
This project offers bilingual (English and Spanish) digital literacy courses in the areas of digital fundamentals, job search, navigation and citizenship. BLWDC offers three program areas: English as a Second Language and Adult Basic Education (GED-HI-SET), Employment Services (Case Management and Placement), and the IBM Program. BLWDC’s digital literacy programs help participants develop knowledge and skills focused on digital fundamentals as part of our ESL, Employment and the IBM program, digital job search as part of our services program Employment Services and the IBM Program, Digital Navigation which is part of all programs including ESL, Employment Services and the IBM Program and Digital Citizenship which is part of our ESL Program.
Full Circle Calculation – $45,000
Full Circle will work directly with the Chester County Workforce Development Board to provide digital literacy training to job seeker participants, especially those who do not have a personal computer or internet access, offering basic technology and computer skills training, Microsoft Office skills training, job search, finding job opportunities, digital citizenship and digital navigation. Founded in 1995, Full Circle is a 20+ year old PA small business, full-service program company focused on providing clients with increased professional and digital technical skills that lead to greater marketing, job placement and to career progression and our salaries from placements totaled more than $30 million for our WIOA programs. With over 1,000 clients served in its history, Full Circle has a proven track record of providing effective and efficient workforce services to help clients increase their digital literacy and job readiness, notably :
The Lancaster-Lebanon LVA Literacy Council – $45,000
This Digital Literacy for Employment Success project bridges the digital literacy gap in Lebanon County. Adult learners participate in teaching and practices that address digital fundamentals, digital job search, digital citizenship and digital navigation. Digital literacy and digital inclusion are key strategic priorities for the Literacy Council of Lancaster-Lebanon. The goal is to sustainably integrate digital skills into their menu of services. This grant supported that goal, and funding for an additional year will help further develop best practices in
meet the digital literacy needs of job seekers and employees in Lebanon County.
South Central Workforce Development Council – $45,000
The Employment Skills Center serves Cumberland County’s diverse population in rural and urban areas with education and career services. The center offers digital literacy and career readiness skills through multiple mechanisms to people facing barriers to employment.
Luzerne County Community College – $45,000
Luzerne County Community College offers services focused on developing workplace digital and technology skills for adult learners. This project teaches transferable workplace digital literacy skills to adult basic education students in nine critical contexts: adaptability and willingness to learn; Communication; Critical mind; personal skills; navigation systems; problem solving; information processing and analysis; respect differences and diversity; and self-awareness.
Tuscarora Intermediate Unit (TIU) #11 – $45,000
TIU will improve fundamental digital literacy skills for job seekers of all ages in Mifflin County. This instructor-based learning will focus on digital fundamentals, digital navigation, digital job search and digital citizenship. Instruction will include a menu of one-time workshops at PA CareerLink® Mifflin County as well as instruction for young people at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology. Through this project, at least 40 job seekers of all ages will learn practical job search and employability skills to help them succeed in the job market.
Manor College – $45,000
BUCKS, MONTGOMERY AND PHILADELPHIA COUNTIES
Manor College Digital Literacy: Readiness and Job Search Training helps students and the public with in-class and online training for career and job search readiness supported by a program developed through the grant and a facilitator who works with teachers to enhance the career readiness they teach in the classroom.
Westmoreland/Fayette Private Industry Council — $45,000
The Private Industry Council offers quarterly workshops to teach digital literacy focused on skills development to help individuals get and keep jobs, especially those with disabilities and those without a degree university.
Westmoreland/Fayette Private Industry Council — $45,000
The Private Industry Council offers quarterly workshops to teach digital literacy focused on skills development to help individuals get and keep jobs, especially those with disabilities and those without a degree university.
Titusville-Crawford Regional Literacy Council – $34,831
This project provides computer training to help adults become more employable and increase their opportunities for gainful employment to support their families. The program includes computer basics, word processing, spreadsheets, internet browsing, job search techniques, resume and cover letter writing, virtual interviewing and job application. line.
Titusville-Forêt Regional Literacy Council — $34,548
This project provides computer training to help adults become more employable and increase their opportunities for gainful employment to support their families. The program includes computer basics, word processing, spreadsheets, internet browsing, job search techniques, resume and cover letter writing, virtual interviewing and job application. line.
Herr Memorial Library – $28,114
The Future Starts Here program is an adult digital literacy education program that supports individuals in Union County by providing access to computers and training to help participants find employment opportunities.
Millersville University – $45,000
Recognizing that local libraries have deep roots in the communities they serve, Millersville University has partnered with the Quarryville Library to provide computer and digital literacy training aimed at helping participants prepare for the job search and emerging employment opportunities, to access employment with the family. maintain wages and increase community infrastructure to provide basic digital literacy skills.
NEPA Community Empowerment Agency – $45,000
This mobile computer lab and training initiative provides job seekers with advice and experience on the skills needed for the 21st century job market. The program is based on an in-person format at ACENEPA’s central location and other community locations and addresses skills with clients to demonstrate skill proficiency and individualized programs are tailored to skills, knowledge and to the abilities of each participant.
