"The ability to communicate effectively in English is an essential element to career advancement," said Secretary of Labor Elaine L. Chao. "This $5 million in funding will be used to develop and implement programs to address the language and job training needs of workers with limited skills in English so they can pursue promising careers in high growth industries."

The grants will help ensure individuals have the opportunity to learn English and gain access to important employment and training programs. This demonstration program emphasizes the use of innovative strategies that simultaneously provide language and occupational skills training to open career opportunities for LEP individuals and Hispanic Americans.

"Providing individuals with basic English skills is essential in preparing them for the 21st century economy," said Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training Emily Stover DeRocco. "We are making nearly $5 million available to provide workers with the English skills and occupational job training that will help them get better jobs."

A competitive Solicitation for Grant Applications (SGA) will appear in the June 16, 2005, edition of the Federal Register and remain open for the next 60 days, with grant awards to follow. The SGA will seek strategies that address challenges and increase the English proficiency and high school graduation rates of LEP individuals.

Qualified applicants will offer an array of services utilizing partnerships between the public workforce investment system, community colleges, employers and faith-based and community organizations. Programs to be considered for grant awards must help LEP individuals and Hispanic Americans access English language-based services and occupational training that lead to job placement or career enhancement opportunities in high growth industries.

For more information on the SGA, please visit http://www.doleta.gov/sga/sga.cfm or check the Federal Register. For more information on the Department of Labor's employment and training programs, please visit www.doleta.gov.