Rural Action Inc

Award Purpose 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 Better Appalachia Ohio Will Provide On-the-job Training Opportunities to Individuals Who Are Underserved and Underrepresented in the Workforce or Have Barriers to Employment in Athens and Meigs Counties, Ohio. Better Appalachia Is a Collaborative Effort Between Community Development Organizations (rural Action and Coalfield Development), Employer and Industry Representative Partners (athens Hocking Recycling Centers, Zero Waste Event Productions, Snowville Creamery, United Plant Savers), and State/local Workforce Development Centers (athens County Ohiomeansjobs, Athens and Meigs County Job and Family Services). Better Appalachia Will Offer Training, Educational, Professional, and Personal Development Opportunities to 20 Participants Divided Into Four Cohorts (5 Participants for Each Cohort) Over 36 Months. the Participants Will Be Employed for Up to Six Months at Either a Ra Social Enterprise or One of Our Industry Partners at $14/HOUR. These Individuals Will Have the Opportunity to Engage in Classes for Industry Certifications and Credentials, Receive Technical Assistance to Develop Stronger Resumes, Practice Interviewing, Take Job Search Classes, and Professional and Personal Development Opportunities. the Project Also Designates Funds to Assist Industry Partners in Creating Workspaces That Are Safe and Well Aligned With the Needs of Individuals With Barriers to Employment and Who Are Underserved in the Workforce in Order to Increase Employee Retention. Deliverables 120 Individuals Will Receive Professional Certifications That Align With Living Wage Jobs in Growing Industry Sectors; 20 Participants Will Receive 1040 Hours of Paid On-the Job Training Through Our Social Enterprises and Industry Partners; 15 Participants Will Obtain New or Improved Employment Outcomes as a Result of the Better Appalachia During the Project Period; 20 Participants Will Be Enrolled in the Program During the Grant Period. Intended Beneficiary Youth, Displaced Workers, Individuals Underserved and Under-represented in Workforce, and Individuals With History of Substance Use Disorder. Subrecipient Activities Coalfield Development Corporation Will Assist With Curriculum Development and Project Design in the Planning Phase. Passion Works Studios Will Provide Employer Training to Support Job Placements.