Federal Grant Award Summary

The Puerto Rico Department of Labor and Human Resources received a $257,948 formula grant award effective October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2027, under the Jobs for Veterans State Grants (JVSG) program (CFDA 17.801), administered by the Department of Labor's Veterans Employment and Training Service. This award funds three specialized staffing positions within American Job Centers: Disabled Veterans' Outreach Program (DVOP) specialists, Local Veterans' Employment Representatives (LVER), and consolidated DVOP/LVER staff. These positions deliver individualized career counseling, employment services, and job placement assistance to veterans with significant barriers to employment, with particular emphasis on economically disadvantaged, educationally disadvantaged, service-connected disabled, and homeless veterans.

DVOP specialists provide tailored career services and employment resources to eligible veterans, while LVER staff conduct employer outreach and advocacy efforts with hiring executives to increase employment opportunities for veterans and promote the hiring of disabled veterans. Consolidated position staff serve in a dual capacity fulfilling both DVOP and LVER responsibilities. The grant supports transitioning service members and veterans in preparing for meaningful careers and accessing employment opportunities through comprehensive workforce development services. As a formula grant awarded directly to a state workforce agency, the Puerto Rico Department of Labor maintains all grant funds without subawards to other entities and must maintain cost accounting, timekeeping, and performance records in accordance with applicable federal regulations and Veterans' Program Letters.