The U.S. Department of Labor has announced five grants totaling more than $4.9 million to improve English language skills in the workplace. The grants will train approximately 4,400 workers in California, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York and Texas.
"To succeed in the workplace, workers must know how to communicate in English," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "These $4.9 million in English skills training grants will help thousands of workers realize the American dream for themselves and their families."
The grants were awarded as the result of a competitive Solicitation for Grant Applications aimed at seeking strategies to address challenges and increase rates of English proficiency and high school graduation.
"Growing industries constantly seek out workers taking action to enhance their skills," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "Developing English language skills will enable workers associated with these five projects to compete for sought-after jobs in growing industries."
