Formula Grant 25A55WP000152

The State of Washington Employment Security Department received a Formula Grant of $31.2 million from the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration under the Employment Service/Wagner-Peyser Funded Activities program (CFDA 17.207) for the period July 1, 2025 through September 30, 2028. This universal access program delivers comprehensive employment services to job seekers and employers, including job search assistance, career counseling, skills assessments, labor market information dissemination, and job referral services. Job seekers receive career interest assessments, career guidance, job search workshops, and referrals to employment opportunities, while employers benefit from job posting services, applicant matching based on job requirements and candidate qualifications, recruitment support for hard-to-fill positions, and assistance with job restructuring and displaced worker support.

The grant funds enable Washington's workforce agency to subaward portions to local workforce development boards and community-based organizations for service delivery and labor market information (LMI) research activities. Notably, the program explicitly excludes direct training services, focusing instead on labor exchange and career guidance to facilitate rapid workforce reentry for individuals facing employment barriers. The award supports the state's administration of critical employment services infrastructure through American Job Centers and partner organizations serving all individuals seeking employment with priority extended to covered populations including veterans.