Lexington has launched a new grant program aimed at improving the connection between job training and local employer needs.
The grant will make $150,000 available to agencies that provide economic and workforce development services. Applicants may request up to $25,000 to support demand-driven approaches in Lexington and must provide evidence to support the program’s potential for success.
"These awards will bolster our local workforce, provide a pipeline of well-trained employees, and help individuals learn new job skills,” said Councilmember Amanda Bledsoe in a release announcing the new grant program. Bledsoe, who worked to secure funding for the grants, chairs the Council’s budget subcommittee that deals with economic development.
Kevin Atkins, the city’s chief development officer, said the city wanted to get its new workforce development manager in place before opening the grants process. Elodie Dickinson started work as Lexington’s workforce development manager last month.
The city is also working with Commerce Lexington and Fayette County Public Schools on job training initiatives.
“The goal is to continue the success we’ve had growing the economy by ensuring we have a trained workforce that attracts employers who offer good jobs — the kinds of jobs our citizens want and need,” said Mayor Jim Gray.
Matching funds are not required for the grants, but the ability of an applicant to leverage financial or in-kind resources and collaborate with other organizations will be considered in the selection process. Applications will be reviewed by the city’s Economic Development Investment Board.
Interested applicants must submit a two-page letter of intent by Wednesday, November 23, to be eligible to apply for a grant. Projects will be awarded by the spring of 2016.
For more information on the program and its application requirements, contact Dickinson at edickinson@lexingtonky.gov.