In 2009, WorkSource received approximately $9 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) for training and employment services to individuals affected by the recession. WorkSource used a portion of the funds to create Learn, Return & Earn, a series of events designed to help individuals access information and apply for training scholarships.

WorkSource held an event in each of the six counties the organization serves. The funding was intended to assist people who were laid off from their jobs, those who took a short term or part time job after losing their jobs, and those who were forced to go back into the workforce after being the primary caretaker at home. People could also qualify based on their family income. The Learn, Return & Earn events promoted the benefits of training, which leads to better employment opportunities, increased earnings and ultimately, improves the quality of the workforce in Northeast Florida. Orientations at the events familiarized attendees with the scholarship enrollment process. Attendees also had the opportunity to meet with a WorkSource program specialist to answer individual questions about the program and possible training programs.

To take advantage of the scholarships, participants must meet the eligibity requirements and enroll in a training program that leads to certification and employment in a targeted industry – one that will provide job growth over the next few years. The targeted industry list ranges from skilled trades like welding and automotive repair, to office professions such as paralegal and certificates in education and healthcare.

The increased awareness of the additional funding through the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) program also increased traffic into WorkSource career centers. Combined with the Learn, Return & Earn events, a total of 2,700 people attended scholarship orientations between June 1 and July 23, 2009.

Over 100 of these individuals received funding based on their income, for a total of $660,576.00 spent towards the scholarships, averaging around $6,476.00 per individual trainee. In addition, 241 people were funded based on having been laid off, for a total of $1,389,887.00 spent toward the scholarships and an average of $5,767.00 per individual trainee.

For additional information about the Learn, Return & Earn program please visit www.learnreturnearn.org