Projects with Industry
Hope Network received a 5 year, $1.75 million dollar federal grant through the U.S. Department of Education. The ‘Projects with Industry (PWI) grant allows Workforce Development to expand its efforts in assisting eligible individuals with disabilities to receive employability and industry-specific skills and placement in the competitive labor market. The PWI program is unique in that it utilizes the expertise of a Business Advisory Council, made up of private industry partners, which provide insight and guidance in the training and placement of individuals with disabilities.
Goals of Projects With Industry Program
- Increase the number and proportion of working age individuals with significant disabilities in Michigan who achieve and sustain employment in the competitive labor market through partnerships with private industry partners statewide.
- Increase the average earnings of individuals with handicaps placed into competitive employment.
- Provide cost effective job development, vocational training and job placement services for individuals with significant disabilities.
- Establish and support the work of an effective Business Advisory Council.
In addition to Grand Rapids, Projects With Industry is focusing on areas where Hope Network could create or complement Vocational Services in the following counties: Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Mecosta, Osceola, Missaukee, Wexford, Ottawa, and Allegan.
"For Michigan, growing a green economy means realizing we can no longer depend on the industries that once were our bedrock...That was painfully demonstrated this week, with more auto suppliers declaring bankruptcy and the General Motors bankruptcy looming as well. To prosper again, we must change."
-- Governor Jennifer Granholm
May 29, 2009 Press Release