The WCSO plays a role in the implementation of the following grant projects:
- The Career Navigator Program is a comprehensive outreach initiative designed to address employment challenges faced by unemployed and underemployed individuals in Hamilton County, Ohio. The program specifically focuses on communities that often experience barriers to employment, including African Americans, Hispanics, immigrants and refugees, returning citizens, and single working mothers. By combining targeted outreach, career coaching, training opportunities, certifications, and job placement support, the program connects participants to sustainable careers in high-demand industries and promotes long-term economic stability. Thank you to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services for funding this grant project.
- The Behavioral Health School to Work program is building pathways from high school directly to behavioral health careers by creating credentials for entry-level behavioral health careers that youth can earn while still in high school. These credentials enable individuals to break into the behavioral health field without having to earn a college degree. It also empowers youth, who are the age group most vulnerable to the effects of health inequities, to help identify and implement solutions to our behavioral health crisis. Thank you to the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services for the funding for this grant project. The Workforce Council acts as the Fiscal Agent for this project.
- The Strengthening the Local Workforce Ecosystem project supports enhanced system coordination of workforce resources across Hamilton County, featuring the development of a new workforce data dashboard, workforce ecosystem map, a new Talent Collaborative website, online career boards, employer visits, expanded apprenticeships, enhanced integration of immigrants and refugees, and industry sector alignments and support. Thank you to the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)/ Hamilton County Commissioners for the funding provided for this grant project.
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