September is Workforce Development Month, a time to raise awareness about the importance of workforce development boards (WDB) to a growing national economy.

A key person in this work statewide is Bob Lanter, executive director of the California Workforce Association. A Contra Costa County native and former director of the WDB of Contra Costa County (WDBCCC), Bob recently returned to his roots to attend our board retreat. We asked him for his take on the importance of WDBs and how the WDBCCC is living up to its mission of achieving equity for all. 

Great news! Californians can now save on high-speed internet with the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Through this federally funded program, eligible households can now save $30 per month on home internet. When the ACP discount is used with the right internet plan, home internet can be free.

WDBCCC staff was honored to attend the Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce's 85th Annual Board of Directors Installation & Awards last month. It was a wonderful opportunity to support and celebrate with our partners in workforce development.

Pictured at top are Patience Ofodu, WDBCCC Business and Economic Development Program Manager; Justin Ezell, Assistant City Manager, City of Concord; LaTosha Stockholm, Workforce Services Specialist; and Maureen Nelson, WDBCCC Administrator.

Pictured at right are Elaine Cortez Schroth, CEO and President, Visit Concord; Nichol Carranza, WDB Board Member and Community Relations & Stakeholder Engagement, Marathon Petroleum Corporation; Ofodu; Stockholm; and Nelson. 

Virtual Training: Accessing ETP Funds for Innovative Programs in Underserved Communities

Note: This article was updated from a previous version to correct an email address.

Training: Sept. 20, 2022, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

The Employment Training Panel and the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County invite you to learn how to align ETP with other funding sources to develop and implement innovative programs to connect people of color from underserved communities to quality careers as EMTs.

Jed Silver, Program Manager for the Workforce Development Board of Contra Costa County’s Health Initiative, will explain how he used ETP funds to bring about critical wrap-around supports and services, such as a full-time embedded tutor, licensing exam assistance, and even monthly stipends.

They were able to place an entire cohort into quality jobs with their local ambulance company, and are now working with ETP and other funders to build out an apprenticeship program to help EMTs become licensed paramedics.

Silver has 15 years of experience working with ETP, WIOA and other funding sources. He will be available to discuss how workforce boards may utilize ETP safely and effectively to help advance equity and meet employer demand.

Renee Pierce, Senior Economic Development Analyst for ETP, will moderate the webinar. For questions, contact Renee at renee.pierce@etp.ca.gov or Jed at jsilver@ehsd.cccounty.us

Save this link to join the training on Zoom:

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3319341422 

Deadline for Microbusiness & Nonprofit Relief Grant Extended to Oct. 19

Small Business Resource:

Paid Family Leave Grant

A new grant is making it easier for California small businesses to support their employees when they need to be away to care for their families. The Paid Family Leave (PFL) Small Business Grant will pay up to $2,000 to small businesses impacted by paid family leave to offset costs related to hiring or cross-training.