U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Funding and Resources

Supports workforce development activities and economic development plans in rural areas throughout the Appalachian, Lower Mississippi Delta (Delta), and Northern Border regions. Provides funds for career training, and support services to prepare dislocated workers, including workers affected by substance use disorder (SUD), for good jobs in high-demand occupations in these regions. Ensures that efforts align with existing economic growth strategies in order to increase employment opportunities and foster long-term regional economic prosperity.

Offers funding for education and job training services for young adults ages 18 to 24 who are involved in the criminal justice system or those who left high school before graduation. Establishes partnerships between community colleges, the criminal justice system, employers, and other stakeholders to improve workforce outcomes for the target population. Builds capacity in community colleges to provide occupational training and helps young adults reentering society from the criminal justice system gain skills and education to meet the needs of the local labor market and find stable employment in high-demand occupations.

Provides funding for the creation of employment and training programs in high demand rural healthcare occupations, including behavioral and mental healthcare. Seeks to address rural health workforce shortages by increasing the number of individuals training in occupations that directly impact the care of rural populations. Assists unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers to transition into sustainable health careers that qualify as middle or high-skilled occupations under the H-1B visa program. Focuses on training for veterans, military spouses, transitioning service members, women, people of color, ex-offenders, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented rural populations.

Provides funding to state workforce agencies and tribal organizations to make subgrants to local workforce development boards to address the economic, workforce, and health impacts of the opioid crisis in communities with high rates of substance use disorder (SUD). Supports collaboration between key community stakeholders to provide career, job training, and employment services to help individuals find and retain employment. Funds comprehensive screening services, outpatient recovery care, and other services for individuals with SUD that can also support their efforts to obtain and/or maintain employment.

Provides funding for employment training, career services, and supportive services to women directly or indirectly impacted by the opioid crisis. Addresses barriers to work facing women and helps them gain the skills and support to become employed. Seeks to develop multi-disciplinary partnerships among service providers and other key stakeholders with experience serving women workers in order to meet the unique needs of women in communities most affected by opioid use.

Offers focused information and guidance for employers seeking to create a mental health-friendly workplace. Features a 4 A's - Awareness, Accommodations, Assistance, and Access - framework to guide organizations in developing their own mental health initiatives, including accommodations and support for employees with substance use disorder (SUD). Provides case studies of successful model programs implemented by a diverse set of companies and organizations; a literature review to better inform employers about workplace mental health issues; and other tools and resources.

Provides a directory of national, state, and local programs and services to support recovery, rehabilitation and community reintegration for military service members, veterans, their families, and caregivers. Helps connect individuals to a range of services and resources, including substance use disorder (SUD) treatment and recovery support.