The purpose of this grant opportunity is to create economic mobility, address historic inequities for marginalized communities of color and other underserved and underrepresented communities, and…

The purpose of this grant opportunity is to create economic mobility, address historic inequities for marginalized communities of color and other underserved and underrepresented communities, and produce high-quality employment for workers who reside in the appalachian and delta regions, enabling them to remain and thrive in these communities. Activities performed PATHWAYS to new beginnings (PATHWAYS), will address systemic and programmatic barriers for 180 recovering and justice-involved citizens, coordinate innovative training and business services, provide access to employment opportunities, and align workforce and economic development strategies and activities in the 13 jurisdictions in the new river/mount rogers workforce development area in southwest virginia in the appalachian region. PATHWAYS is an industry-driven services model specifically providing training to recovering and justice-involved citizens to prepare them for in-demand occupations in the targeted industries of construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, resulting in the expressed competencies and credentials needed and valued by businesses. Its design encompasses the three components of career services, business services, and workforce system services. Deliverables this grant will serve 180 recovering and justice-involved citizens. 144 are anticipated to complete training and earn credentials. 135 will obtain a quality job. 126 will retain employment two quarters after exit, and 117 are anticipated to retain employment four quarters after exit. Participants are considered new workforce entrants. In addition, the project will serve 225 businesses and develop five new training programs will be developed based on business need. 45 businesses will become second chance employers. 50+ businesses (with open positions and a willingness to hire) are connected with 100+ recovering and justice-involved individuals. Intended beneficiary SUD-recovering and justice-involved citizens. Subrecipient activities subrecipients are training providers: literacy volunteers of the new river valley, mount rogers regional adult education program, trades training initiative, center for manufacturing excellence in swva, and transfer VR. People incorporated will hire and manage the two case managers.