The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment received a formula grant award of $1,636,010 from the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service (VETS) under the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program (CFDA 17.801), effective October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027. The award funds three core staffing positions within American Job Centers across Colorado: Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists who deliver individualized career services to veterans with significant employment barriers, with emphasis on economically or educationally disadvantaged veterans; Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER) who conduct employer outreach and advocacy to increase hiring opportunities for veterans and disabled veterans; and consolidated DVOP/LVER staff serving in dual roles. These positions prepare veterans and transitioning service members for meaningful careers and provide employment resources and expertise.
The program prioritizes service to service-connected special disabled veterans, other disabled veterans, economically or educationally disadvantaged veterans, homeless veterans, and veterans with other significant barriers to employment. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment has sub-awarded funding to the County of Jefferson Human Services, effective May 1, 2026, to support the delivery of JVSG services within American Job Centers in Jefferson County. As a formula grant recipient, the state workforce agency does not subaward additional funds beyond designated sub-recipients and maintains direct responsibility for program administration and compliance under 38 U.S.C. Chapter 41 and VETS policy.