The Delta Regional Authority is sweetening the pot for cross-state applications for federal grants to strengthen training partnerships between community colleges and employers.
Acting U.S. Labor Secretary Seth Harris said Friday that $474.5 million is available nationwide under the third round of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grants program.
The Delta Regional Authority is making up to $1 million available for applications from consortiums that cross state lines in its service area - Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.
Officials want work-based training so students learn the skills employers need. They also want colleges to better track graduates' employment and earnings. Winning applicants will also develop online and technology-based training tools that others can use and modify.