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Workforce Florida Weekly Update 6-07-06 |
CONTENTS The State & RegionsFirst Generation Matching Grant Program key component of the Governor’s Access and Diversity Initiative. TALLAHASSEE- Governor Jeb Bush last Friday signed into law House Bill 0795, the Student Financial Assistance measure which creates the First Generation Matching Grant Program. The measure provides $6.5 million in state matching funds to support financial aid for Florida resident undergraduate students in financial need. Since 1999, need-based aid funding has increased $85.2 million or more than 240 percent. “I thank the members of the Legislature for working with us to ensure students are able to pursue a college education and overcome financial obstacles. They will now have an opportunity to pursue their dreams of a higher education,” said Governor Bush. “I am proud Florida continues to increase accessibility to all students, and provides the necessary resources to open the doors of our higher education institutions.” The measure provides $6.5 million to create the First Generation Matching Grant Program, which will be awarded to Florida residents who enroll in a state university; have financial need and whose parents did not earn a bachelor’s degree. Modeled after a program created at the University of Florida, this scholarship will lessen the financial burden for low-income families across the state. “The Governor’s action today is a gigantic step towards providing what Florida needs to make our universities more accessible and affordable to the poor and underrepresented in the state,” said Senator Al Lawson, Tallahassee. “The creation of this new scholarship for qualified students, enhanced by support programs to assist students still in middle and high schools to prepare them for college-level work, will change lives in the years to come and open doors for traditionally underrepresented students seeking an education in Florida.” Last year, Governor Bush met with members of Florida A&M University’s (FAMU) Student Government Association to discuss ways to improve accessibility to the State’s colleges and universities. As a result of those discussions, Governor Bush created, by executive order, the Access and Diversity Commission. The 17-member commission worked with the Board of Governors to evaluate the issues surrounding minority enrollment and advocate for needs based financial aid and the First Generation Matching Grant Program. “These grants will open the door of opportunity for many young citizens of this state who are good and deserving students but who need financial assistance to pursue a college degree,” said Access and Diversity Commission Chair Sheila McDevitt. During the last seven years, Florida has seen steady growth in minority enrollment in the State University System. Hispanic student enrollment has increased by 49.4 percent from 30,792 to 46,002, and African-American student enrollment has increased nearly 28 percent from 31,413 to 40,141. “On behalf of the students at Florida A&M University, I commend Governor Bush for his leadership and commitment to improving diversity and finding innovative ways to help minority students realize their dream of obtaining a college education,” said FAMU Student Government Association president Ramon Alexander. “We are proud our ideas have been embraced by the state and are excited about the opportunity to reach out to middle and high school students as we help place them on a path of success.” For more information on the First Generation Matching Grant Program or needs-based financial assistance, please visit www.myflorida.com or www.fldoe.org. Polk Works is losing director (by Kyle Kennedy, The Ledger).
LAKELAND -- Polk Works is about to post a new job opening
-- executive director. Nancy Thompson, the current director
of the county's work force development agency, has announced
she will leave the organization this month to take a job
with Pennsylvania-based Arbor Education & Training. Thompson,
48, will serve as Arbor's vice president of Florida operations. "I
wasn't looking (for a new job)," Thompson said. "It
happened fairly quickly." Thompson said she was contacted
by Arbor last week about the opening and then flew to Philadelphia
on Tuesday to meet with company officials. Arbor is based
nearby in Media, Pa. She will replace J. Wyatt Pope, who
was recently hired as the deputy director of the Florida
Agency for Workforce Innovation. Thompson's last day with
Polk Works will be June 30, and she will begin work with
Arbor on July 10. She will work from home in Frostproof,
though her new position will require her to travel throughout
the state. Arbor is a private company that offers a number
of work-force services, according to its Web site. The firm
manages a number of One-Stop job centers across the country,
including the Polk Works One-Stop centers in Lakeland and
Winter Haven, which provide vocational training and employment
services. Arbor officials could not be reached for comment
Friday. In her new position, Thompson will oversee 17 contracts
and $50 million worth of Arbor's business in Florida. The
company has projects spanning from Miami to Tallahassee,
she said. As director of the nonprofit Polk Works, Thompson
earns $89,500 per year. "Monetarily, it's a move up," she
said of her new job. Thompson has served as executive director
of Polk Works since 1996, when the agency was founded. The
organization administers more than $10 million per year in
job services for businesses and residents in Polk. For the
past four years, Polk Works has been recognized by the state
for being among Florida's top regional work-force agencies.
Polk Works will likely name an interim director, Thompson
said, and the agency's executive committee will search for
her replacement. "I'm recommending that they use a search
firm and conduct a fairly broad search and also consider
in-house candidates," Thompson said. Larry Miller, a
Polk Works board member, said the agency faces a challenge
finding Thompson's replacement. "I hate to lose her,
that's for sure. She's been a tremendous asset and has taken
us a long way as far as making Polk Works well known in Polk
County," said Miller, a franchise owner of the Spherion
staffing firm in Lakeland. "She'll be very difficult
to replace; there's no question about that." Thompson
also is the president of the Florida Workforce Development
Association and sits on the Florida Commission for the Transportation
Disadvantaged. She chairs the Polk County Citizens' Health
Care Oversight Committee and the Polk Community College Workforce
Education Council. "I loved every day of it -- still
do," Thompson said of her time with Polk Works. "I
have the best job in the whole world. It was a very difficult
decision. But I'll still have some dealings with Polk Works
-- on the other side of the table, though." Get clicking for real jobs at real companies in
Brevard (Region 13) – an innovative approach to expanded recruitment
in a tight labor market. Brevard JobLink is conducting its
first “virtual” job fair. The Virtual Job Fair
is a week-long 24/7 online recruiting event where employers
showcase jobs – from entry level to top management.
Jobseekers will be able to log on to www.virtualjobfairfl.com,
review job fair listings, post resumes, even chat online
with employers. Employers can purchase the “Virtual
Job Fair Package” to gain access to jobseekers from
not only the immediate Brevard County area but throughout
the state and the country. Included in the Virtual Job Fair
Package is virtual booth space with logo, unlimited job postings,
business profile, unlimited search access to all resumes
during the fair, electronic copy of all resumes collected
at the conclusion of the fair, online “chat” with
candidates during the fair and more. Information is being
sent directly to Brevard jobseekers as well as potential
candidates outside the county and the state via advertising
and partnerships with out-of-state college and university
career centers. The NationCQ Today Midday Update - WEDNESDAY, JUNE 7, 2006 – 2:03
P.M Secretary Bodman announces $34.6 million to fund state energy efficiency priorities across the country – Florida to receive $1.93 million. STORRS, CT – Secretary of Energy Samuel W. Bodman last Friday announced that the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) will award a total of $34.6 million to states, five territories and the District of Columbia to improve energy efficiency throughout the nation. Florida will receive $1,193,000. The funding, from DOE’s State Energy Program (SEP), can provide significant savings for consumers, businesses and states to increase energy efficiency of homes and buildings. “One of the biggest sources of energy we have in this country is the energy that we currently waste. By investing in energy efficient technologies government, businesses, and homeowners can conserve energy and save money,” Secretary Bodman said. Secretary Bodman made the announcement after touring the University of Connecticut’s Global Fuel Cell Center to highlight hydrogen as a fuel source for the future with Rep. Rob Simmons (CT-2nd). As part his Advanced Energy Initiative (AEI), President Bush requested $289 million, in FY 2007, for the Hydrogen Fuel Initiative – a $1.2 billion effort to accelerate the development of hydrogen fuel cells and affordable hydrogen-powered cars. Later today, Secretary Bodman will tour DOE’s Brookhaven National Laboratory in Upton, New York, to discuss the American Competitiveness Initiative (ACI) and the importance of the role of science and education. Brookhaven is one of ten DOE Office of Science laboratories. As part of the American Competitiveness Initiative, President Bush has set a course for doubling the government funding in the physical sciences to ensure that America will lead the world in opportunity and innovation for decades to come. After touring the laboratory, Secretary Bodman will meet with students from John F. Kennedy and Bellport Middle Schools, competitors in DOE’s National Science Bowl®, as well as with local students who participate in Brookhaven’s Office of Educational Programs (OEP). OEP is designed to engage students in educational events and research opportunities with the Brookhaven Laboratory, a program also supported by the American Competitiveness Initiative. Secretary Bodman also touted the 75,000 jobs created nationwide last month and the positive impacts research and development of new technologies will have on strengthening America’s energy and economic security. The unemployment rate of 4.6 percent is the lowest since July 2001. Secretary Bodman discussed positive impacts research and development of new technologies will have on strengthening America’s energy and economic security. The economy has created 5.3 million jobs since August 2003, and about 2 million of those were created over the past 12 months. America has experienced five straight years of growth in productivity, and per capita personal income continues to rise. These figures indicate that the American economy is strong by almost any measure. “We have the strongest economy on earth and the energy sector provides the fuel for it to expand,” Secretary Bodman said. “Under the President’s leadership we are working to strengthen our energy mix and expand our scientific might to remain the world’s economic leader.” Secretary Bodman highlighted ways industry, government and educational institutions can contribute to the success of the Advanced Energy Initiative and the American Competitiveness Initiative through continued emphasis on research and development of new technologies. Together, these initiatives will continue to increase America’s economic vitality through the development of alternative energy sources and will provide our next generation of scientists and researchers with the educational foundation necessary to compete in the 21st century. Access the complete release at: http://www.energy.gov/news/3704.htm. U.S. Census Bureau Releases two special data products
for the gulf coast area affected by Hurricanes Katrina and
Rita. In the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, the Federal
Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated many counties
throughout the Gulf Coast as "disaster counties." This
designation made these identified counties eligible to receive
disaster assistance from the federal government. A total of
117 counties were designated by FEMA as receiving "Individual
and Public Assistance" (FEMA-designated IPA counties)
as of October 7, 2005 for Hurricane Katrina and October 20,
2005 for Hurricane Rita. The 2005 ACS Special Product for the
Gulf Coast Area focuses on two distinct areas: Conner proclaims summer food service program week. WASHINGTON, June 5, 2006 – Agriculture Deputy Secretary Chuck Conner Monday proclaimed June 4-10 as Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) Week. “The availability of nutritious meals is essential to help low-income children throughout the summer months when they are out of school,” said Conner. “The President’s HealthierUS initiative aims to help all Americans take steps to improve personal health and fitness and the Summer Food Service Program is a vital link between good nutrition and exercise for children during the summer.” The SFSP ensures that as schools let out for the summer each year, children in low-income communities continue to receive nutritious meals. During the school year, millions of children depend on the National School Lunch and School Breakfast Programs, which provide free or reduced-price meals to low-income children. SFSP provides funding to State agencies to reimburse for meals provided through local sponsors supervising summer activity programs, such as campsites and school recreation programs. About 115.5 million meals were served in the summer of 2005. USDA officials will highlight the program’s contribution during activities surrounding National Hunger Awareness Day on June 6. On June 8, USDA Deputy Under Secretary Kate Coler will join Maryland Governor Robert L. Ehrlich Jr. and others to launch this year’s Summer Food Service Program Week at Langley Park McCormick Elementary School in Hyattsville, Md. Summer Food Service Week is intended to raise awareness of program benefits and to promote wider participation of communities, encourage sponsoring organizations to participate and, most importantly, to increase the numbers of children receiving nutritious meals. Sponsors or organizations wishing to take advantage of this valuable resource to provide summer meals to children in the local community should contact the state education department. U.S. Department of Labor launches new online back
wage employee locator. WASHINGTON, June 1 /U.S. Newswire/ -- The U.S. Department
of Labor's (DOL) Wage and Hour Division (WHD) today launched
a new Web-based back wage employee locator to provide easy
and secure access for employees to find and collect back wages
due to them. The new back wage employee locator guides employees
through an online series of questions that helps them determine
if they are owed back wages as a result of a WHD investigation.
The new system queries a database that contains information
about people who are due back wages and their employment history.
Employees should be ready to enter information about their
past or present employment, such as the name and location of
their employer. Those due back wages will be provided restitution
upon verification of their identity. "The U.S. Department
of Labor is pleased to be able to implement this new locator
program," said Alfred B. Robinson Jr., acting administrator
of the Wage and Hour Division. "Although the Wage and
Hour Division locates most of the employees due back wages,
we expect this effort to facilitate payment to many of those
employees that we have been unable to find." This new
electronic program is part of an ongoing effort at the DOL
to meet the e-government objectives of the president's management
agenda. The back wage employee locator is accessible from the
Wage and Hour Division's home page at http://www.wagehour.dol.gov or directly at http://www.dol-esa.gov/emploc. NASWA’s Workforce Bulletin - June 2, 2006 HEADLINES:
Access the complete
articles at: http://www.workforceatm.org/sections/members/
Grant and Competitive Award Opportunities and NoticesFor additional information go to, visit the External Grant Opportunities page.Featured Opportunity:(none) State Grants(none) Federal GrantsHomeless Veteran Reintegration 2006 Stand Down Grants Strategies to Promote Employment in Transit Construction Projects by Members of Minority and Low-income Communities Science Training in Marine Sciences (STMS) 2006 Centers of Academic Excellence Program Promoting Responsible Fatherhood Community Access Program Improving Employment Outcomes for the Low Functioning Deaf
(LFD) Population High Growth Job Training Initiative Grants for the Advanced Manufacturing Industry (REPEAT) Foundation Grants(none) Scholarships/AwardsFreedomAlliance Scholarship Fund Upcoming Meetings, Conferences and
Events
Workforce Florida Board and Related Meetings Schedule:For up-to-date WFI board meeting info please check the calendar at the WFI website. June 21, 2006 June 25-27, 2006 July 19, 2006 August 23, 2006 August 24, 2006 August 24, 2006 Other Meetings/Conferences/Events:
June 15, 2006 July 11-13, 2006
Watch the Conference website for further program updates and to register at: http://www.workforceinnovations.org/. August 21 –August 23, 2006 Nov. 30 - Dec. 2, 2006 USDOL’s Workforce Tools of the Trade Workforce Investment Systemwide Events Page. http://www.workforcetools.org/calendar.asp Odds and EndsHispanics Fill Over 41 Percent of Jobs Created Since May 05 (by Andrea Lehman, Hispanicbusiness.com) June 2nd, 2006 – The Hispanic unemployment rate dropped significantly in May, from 5.4 percent in April to 5.0 percent, according to data released today by the U.S. Department of Labor. The overall U.S. unemployment rate decreased from 4.7 percent in April to 4.6 percent in May, reaching a five-year low. The unemployment rate is the ratio of unemployed people divided by the total labor force, comprised of both the employed and unemployed. People are considered unemployed only if they are actively seeking work at the time they are surveyed for the sample. Therefore, whether people are even considered in the labor force also fluctuates. In May, job growth for Hispanics was less than usual (mirroring the overall U.S. labor market trend), adding only 65,000 new jobs. At the same time, the number of Hispanics considered unemployed dropped by 74,000 individuals. This represents those that found work as well as an additional 9,000 Hispanics that left the labor market altogether. Together, this created the unemployment rate drop of 0.4 percentage points. The Hispanic civilian population in the U.S. increased by 86,000 in May. Added together with the 9,000 individuals previously in the labor force, this increased the number of Hispanics considered "not in the labor force" in total by 95,000. On an annual basis, employment of Hispanics increased by 977,000 jobs, bringing the Hispanic unemployment rate down from 5.9 percent in May 2005 to the current 5.0 percent. Overall, the U.S. economy added 2,405,000 jobs since May 2005. Hispanics filled 40.6 percent of those positions, despite being only 13.6 percent of the total U.S. labor force. Looking at the seasonally unadjusted data for Hispanic sub-groups, the unemployment rate for Hispanic men (20 years and over) decreased to 3.3 percent in May from 3.9 percent in April. This was due to 77,000 previously unemployed Hispanic men all finding work. The unemployment rate for Hispanic women 20 years and over also dropped, from 5.8 percent in April to 5.0 in May. There were 63,000 new jobs for Hispanic women in May, which decreased the rolls of the unemployed by 61,000 as well as absorbing an increase into the labor market of 1,000 Hispanic women. The unemployment rate for Hispanic youths (age 16 to 19) actually increased in May to 13.8 percent from 12.4 percent in April. Teenagers of all ethnic/racial groups have the highest unemployment rates of any age group. This is due to their lack of job skills and experience as well as having less attachment to the labor force in response to school schedules and more frequent geographical relocations. In May, 37,000 Hispanic teenagers joined the labor force. Only 17,000 were able to find jobs, leaving approximately 19,000 unemployed, which increased the unemployment rate. Source: Hispanicbusiness.com, Copyright (c) 2006 All Rights reserved. News Brief: FEMA's Emergency Management Training
(Free!) (from Students.gov InfoSource - June 2006) June marks the
beginning of another hurricane season, and the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) predicts a higher-than-average
number of storms again this year. If you watched last year's
devastating storms and wished you could do something to help
the victims, you can! Prepare yourself by taking independent
or online study courses offered to the public by the Federal
Emergency Management Agency. From SOUTHERN COMPASS -- JUNE 6, 2006:
Quote for the Week:“Courage is the price that life exacts for granting peace.” Amelia Earhart |
