$150 Million Announced for Workforce Development Initiatives

New York State is creating a $150 million workforce development grant program designed to support training programs and assist education and training providers.

Governor Hochul on Monday announced the grants will be administered through a new arm of the state's Empire State Development (ESD), known as the Office of Strategic Workforce Development. The funding will cover two initiatives, $115 million for performance grants that support training programs that offer certifications in high-demand fields and $35 million for education and workforce training providers who train future employees for high-quality in-demand jobs.

The Business Council has continually supported programs and policies that foster the development of a new-age workforce that ensures students are well-prepared for entrance into college and careers.

"With this $150 million investment in the state's workforce, we are standing by our commitment to making New York the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation," Governor Hochul said in a press release.

" Thanks to this investment, we are helping to fill critical roles all over the state and preparing New York job seekers for careers of the future," the governor added.

Grant applications are available on the Office of Strategic Workforce Development's website, and are being accepted on an ongoing basis. Awards are expected to be announced beginning in December.