Feb. 8, 2013

Lupe Flores

Congressman Grijalva Reintroduces Bill to Direct Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Funds to MSIs

Washington, DC- The Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) commends Congressman Raúl Grijalva from Arizona for reintroducing 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).

HR 546, the “Promoting Partnerships to Transform Opportunities Act,” represents a unique opportunity for providing postsecondary education and training to an increasing number of underrepresented minority individuals who are unemployed, underemployed, limited English proficient, veterans, low-income, undereducated or require retraining, or have 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 other 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 together with CBOs and creating and expanding employment and career choices for persons seeking employment options outside of the 4-year education network and those unable for a variety of reasons to access education training beyond the community college level.