Member Advisory
July 20, 2011

Congressman Grijalva Introduces Bill to Direct WIA Funds to MSIs

The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) commends Congressman Raúl Grijalva from Arizona for introducing legislation that would create a competitive grant program to support the development of job training programs through Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Community Based Organizations (CBOs).

The bill, which stems from a recommendation for the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) in HACU’s legislative agenda, represents a unique opportunity for providing postsecondary education and training to underrepresented minority individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, limited English proficient, veterans, low-income, undereducated or requiring retraining, or with disabilities. The bill recognizes the pivotal role MSIs and CBOs play in training, retraining, and educating minorities and in providing sustainable career pathways that lead to a brighter future by preparing youth and adults for well-paying jobs in the emerging economy and in high demand areas.

MSIs and CBOs have extensive experience in forging partnerships to provide employment training opportunities for new and emerging employment fields. Through Congressman Grijalva’s bill, MSIs can further enhance these partnerships by working with CBOs to create and expand employment and career choices for persons seeking options outside the 4-year education network or unable to access education training beyond the community college level.

To read the Bill, click here.

HACU Contact:

Laura Maristany
Executive Director of Legislative Affairs
Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)
One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 430
Washington, DC 20036
202-261-2090