Federal Grant Award Summary

The Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development received a $1.92M formula grant award 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. This award funds specialized employment services for veterans through three primary staffing positions deployed within American Job Centers across Missouri: Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists, Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER), and consolidated DVOP/LVER staff. DVOP specialists deliver individualized career counseling and employment services to veterans with significant barriers to employment, with particular emphasis on economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, service-connected disabled, and homeless veterans. LVER staff conduct employer outreach, business advocacy, and hiring initiatives to expand employment opportunities for all veterans, with targeted focus on disabled veteran hiring.

The JVSG program operates on a formula-based allocation model distributing funds proportionally across all eligible jurisdictions rather than through competitive selection. As a state workforce agency designated by the Governor, the Missouri Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development administers the grant directly without subawarding funds to other entities. Grant recipients must maintain comprehensive cost accounting, timekeeping, and performance records in accordance with 38 U.S.C. Chapter 41, applicable federal regulations, and Department of Labor policy guidance.