New American Hiring Fairs

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to New Americans as they navigate their career paths and integrate into their new communities.

On March 6, 2024, the Office of New Americans, Emily Griffith Technical College, and the Spring Institute held a job fair for New Americans. Sixten companies were present. More than 600 New American job seekers representing more than 26 countries of origin attended the event. Arapahoe/Douglas Works! and the City and County of Denver workforce centers supported the event with outreach and support staff. Interpreters and volunteers were onsite to help with the application processes.

More hiring fairs will be held in the coming months to support New Americans with work authorization in securing employment. Employers interested in attending future Office of New Americans’ events should complete the online employer interest form.

Arapahoe/Douglas Works! also participated in Arapahoe Libraries’ New Americans Career and Education Fair on April 9, 2024. English learners, new immigrants, and refugees who attended that event learned about jobs and education opportunities in our area.

Individuals interested in assistance with their job search can connect with a Career Services Advisor!

The Strengthening Photovoltaic and Renewable Careers (SPARC) Workforce Development Program was established to support the statewide goal to position Colorado as a leader in the clean energy economy by setting a path to reach 100% renewable energy for the electric grid by 2040.

To support this effort, the SPARC program provides high-quality education and training opportunities to create high-paying jobs that ultimately support the protection of Colorado’s environment.

Individuals can email adworksinfo@arapahoegov.com to contact a SPARC Career Navigator.

• The Believe in Reading Grant aims to improve reading and literacy for people of all ages. Applications are considered as they are received and grants are renewable for up to a maximum of three years. There are no specific deadlines, but please apply long in advance of when you would like your check to arrive. It may take 90-120 days to receive a response.

• COEDIT's Advanced Industries Export Grant is open and accepting applications for Colorado-based advanced industries technology businesses who want to export or are currently exporting. It is a rolling application.

• The Manufacturer’s Edge Small Manufacturing Recovery Grants (SMRG) program is here to help small- to medium-sized manufacturers in Colorado looking to transform their company. The program offers consultative engagement opportunities valued at $10,000 to $20,000 or more that, thanks to a one-time state-funding opportunity, can be implemented in your organization for a fraction of the cost.

• The Manufacturer’s AdvantEDGE Scale-up Solutions (MASS) catalog is tailored for small- to medium-sized manufacturers who are eager to witness the transformative impact of consulting and training services.

• Colorado House Bill 23-1198 created a new, statewide K-12 Teacher Externship Program focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math-focused (STEM) occupations. Teachers will be able to earn credits toward professional development and licensure requirements and may also receive salary increases and/or graduate-level university credits toward advanced degrees by participating in externships. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) is actively seeking participation from business partners dedicated to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in their workplaces to participate as hosts to teachers. Those interested in participating are asked to fill out this interest form.

• The Lowe's Foundation Cable Grants Program is a 5-year, $50 million commitment to train 50,000 job-ready skilled tradespeople to build a stronger infrastructure that supports our communities for the long term. The application cycle for community and technical colleges will open from March 1, 2024 - March 31, 2024. The application cycle for community-based nonprofit organizations will open from August 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024.

The Colorado Health Careers Academy is now accepting applications for Summer 2024! They offer a Basic Life Support Certification program, hands-on medical labs, professional development workshops and more! It’s FREE! And graduates receive a $500 scholarship upon completion!

Info Session- Tuesday, May 14th at 5 p.m. via Zoom

RSVP at https://rebrand.ly/57fg8i8. 

Board on the Move

Shelbi Davis is the Manager of Talent Acquisition at Charles Schwab. She is the current Vice Chair of the Arapahoe/Douglas Workforce Development Board. Shelbi attended South Metro Denver Chamber’s Economic Forecast Breakfast on January 26th at the DCSD Legacy Campus. It was an opportunity to engage with local leaders and public officials and to journey into the boundless possibilities of the final frontier and its profound impact on our daily lives and global challenges.

Shelbi reported that the Chamber's Economic Forecast Breakfast was informative, thought-provoking, and entertaining. She gained unique insight from a distinguished panel of speakers who discussed topics that explored and shaped our businesses, our state, and our country for the upcoming year.

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Arapahoe/Douglas Works! is an equal opportunity employer/program.

Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.