Success: Three-state job training initiative launched from beaver county, PA
Client: Community College of Beaver County, Pennsylvania
Project Name: Tri-State Energy & Advanced Manufacturing (TEAM) Consortium
Description: Over 2017-2018, Sustainable Strategies DC worked with 25 local governments, economic development organizations, colleges and universities, and private sector manufacturers to help create the "TEAM Consortium," a tri-state area partnership including southwestern Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio and northern West Virginia. The TEAM Consortium is developing educational curricula and job training programs to support workforce development in the energy and advanced manufacturing sectors. The Community College of Beaver County took the lead of the TEAM Consortium and has secured funding from the Benedum Foundation, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) and other sponsors to move the initiative forward
Award:
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation - $250,000 (2017)
ARC POWER Grant - $588,000 (2018)
Success: Training a Skilled Workforce In the Coalfields of West Virginia
Client: Coalfield Development Corporation, West Virginia
Project Name: Coalfield Development Corporation Strategic Plan
Description: In 2018, Sustainable Strategies DC helped Coalfield Development Corporation to secure a $220,000 U.S. Economic Development Agency (EDA) Assistance to Coal Communities grant for the SEED & Grow Planning Project. Coalfield Development Corporation is undertaking a strategic planning effort to identify opportunities and approaches for expanding and enhancing its successful Appalachian workforce development and economic diversification initiatives. Coalfield operates as a family of five social enterprises, which combine the equity objectives of the non-profit sector with the efficiency of the private sector. Each social enterprise employs Coalfield’s proven 33-6-3 workforce model - crewmembers complete 33 hours of paid work, 6 higher education credits towards an associate’s degree and 3 hours of personal development mentorship per week, gaining vital on-the-job training and experience. The project is expected to help create or retain 260 jobs and spur $5 million in private investment.
Award:
EDA Assistance to Coal Communities Grant - $220,000 (2018)
WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT
Despite improvements in the economy since the Recession, many people are still struggling to secure family-sustaining employment in 21st Century jobs. Meanwhile, employers struggle to identify qualified job candidates for skilled positions. Local governments and regional workforce development boards are well-positioned to work to address these challenge. Collaborative, cross-sector efforts to support workforce development can help communities meet the needs of industry, grow a skilled labor force, maintain career paths for young professionals, grow internships and career opportunities, and provide incentives for entreprenuership and innovation. Sustainable Strategies DC has helped its clients to obtain resources for workforce development successful workforce development initiatives. Examples include:
Success: Job Training for environmental remediation in Carlisle, PA
Client: Carlisle, Pennsylvania
Project Name: Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training Program
Description: In the wake of three major factory closures leading to job loss and blight, Carlisle is undertaking multi-million-dollar public works projects, including brownfields remediation, transportation upgrades and stormwater improvements. “Carlisle Works” is a comprehensive training and local hiring program ensuring that redevelopment efforts result not only in improved quality of life, but also in ladders of opportunity to economic security for low-income residents, with a special emphasis on low-income, minority youth. In 2016, Sustainable Strategies DC helped Carlisle to secure a $200,000 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training grant to train residents in specialized labor skills related to environmental trades such as brownfield remediation and clean-up, stormwater management, handling hazardous materials, and asbestos and lead-based paint removal. Training is provided by Harrisburg Area Community College. Residents who complete the program secure certifications that position them to work in cleaning up, redeveloping and revitalizing the Borough's vacant and contaminated properties.
Award:
EPA Environmental Workforce Development & Job Training Grant - $200,000 (2016)