Governor Jan Brewer, Secretary of State Ken Bennett
Announce Stimulus Broadband Award for Public
Computer Centers Throughout Arizona
Arizona Awarded $1.6 Million Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce for 200 Virtual Workforce Stations and 28 Arizona Job Help Hubs
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer and Secretary of State Ken Bennett today announced the State of Arizona has been awarded a $1,646,936 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund 200 Virtual Workforce Workstations and 28 Arizona Job Help Hubs for education and career training in public library locations throughout the state. This grant is part of a $7.2 billion program to expand the use and availability of broadband in the U.S., and is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
The 200 Virtual Workforce Workstations (VWW) will include a desktop computer with job search and placement assistance, plus comprehensive skill assessments, development of individual employment plans, one-on-one counseling and career planning through video conferencing. Library patrons may also be matched with training programs.
Twenty-eight Arizona Job Help Hubs will provide even more services that include laptop computers with specialized job-related and training software. Instructors will be provided to help citizens with resumes, job searches, employment applications, starting a business and continuing-education opportunities. At least one Hub will be located in each county and centered in libraries in communities with the greatest need.
In addition to the $1,646,936 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, required matching funds for the grant are being provided by the Arizona State Library Archives and Public Records (ASLAPR) in the amount of $25,000 and Arizona County Libraries throughout the state in the amount of $104,500. Additionally, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will provide a cash match of $576,330, to be awarded to ASLAPR in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery, bringing the total amount of the project to $2,352,766.
“The Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery Arizona Job Help Hubs @ Your Library grant application received the highest recommendation in its category of Public Computer Centers when evaluated by the Arizona Broadband Advisory Committee (ABAC),” said Arizona State CIO and ABAC Chair Chad Kirkpatrick. “This grant stood out because it does so much to help the citizens of Arizona find jobs and helps all 15 counties in the state.”
This grant will be funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), and is part of the Second Round NTIA awards in the Public Community Center Category. Further information is available at: broadbandusa.gov.
Announce Stimulus Broadband Award for Public
Computer Centers Throughout Arizona
Arizona Awarded $1.6 Million Grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce for 200 Virtual Workforce Stations and 28 Arizona Job Help Hubs
PHOENIX – Governor Jan Brewer and Secretary of State Ken Bennett today announced the State of Arizona has been awarded a $1,646,936 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce to fund 200 Virtual Workforce Workstations and 28 Arizona Job Help Hubs for education and career training in public library locations throughout the state. This grant is part of a $7.2 billion program to expand the use and availability of broadband in the U.S., and is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009.
“Job creation in the state of Arizona is one of my highest priorities,” said Governor Jan Brewer. “This grant will assist those seeking employment as a result of the national economic downturn. I
would like to thank all those who were involved with the grant application process for their efforts on behalf of the citizens of Arizona.”
The 200 Virtual Workforce Workstations (VWW) will include a desktop computer with job search and placement assistance, plus comprehensive skill assessments, development of individual employment plans, one-on-one counseling and career planning through video conferencing. Library patrons may also be matched with training programs.
Twenty-eight Arizona Job Help Hubs will provide even more services that include laptop computers with specialized job-related and training software. Instructors will be provided to help citizens with resumes, job searches, employment applications, starting a business and continuing-education opportunities. At least one Hub will be located in each county and centered in libraries in communities with the greatest need.
“Arizona’s libraries are playing a key role in helping the state emerge from this economic downturn,” said Secretary of State Ken Bennett, whose office oversees the Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records. “This grant will strengthen the ability of community libraries to provide practical information and critical services to Arizonans most in need – those searching for a job.”
In addition to the $1,646,936 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, required matching funds for the grant are being provided by the Arizona State Library Archives and Public Records (ASLAPR) in the amount of $25,000 and Arizona County Libraries throughout the state in the amount of $104,500. Additionally, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will provide a cash match of $576,330, to be awarded to ASLAPR in partnership with the Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery, bringing the total amount of the project to $2,352,766.
“The Governor’s Office of Economic Recovery Arizona Job Help Hubs @ Your Library grant application received the highest recommendation in its category of Public Computer Centers when evaluated by the Arizona Broadband Advisory Committee (ABAC),” said Arizona State CIO and ABAC Chair Chad Kirkpatrick. “This grant stood out because it does so much to help the citizens of Arizona find jobs and helps all 15 counties in the state.”
This grant will be funded through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications & Information Administration (NTIA), Broadband Technology Opportunities Program (BTOP), and is part of the Second Round NTIA awards in the Public Community Center Category. Further information is available at: broadbandusa.gov.
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