20A - LABOR TECHNICAL SIKLLS TRAINNING GRANT

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entities involved in administering the workforce Investment system established under Title I of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (WIA) and economic development agencies. Additional partners that reflect the character and resources of the local or regional economy are strongly encouraged. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This Solicitation consists of nine (9) sections: Section I provides a description of this funding opportunity. Section Ii provides award information. Section III provides elldibility information. Section IV provides Information on the application and submission process. Section V describes the-criteria against which applications will be reviewed and explains the proposal review process. Section VI describes award administration information. Section Vil provides agency contacts. Section Vlll provides additional resources of interest-to applicants. Section IX provides other information. Section I Funding Opportunity Description A. Overview The United States supports a very large, diverse,. and innovative economy. Current economic conditions have intensified the country's need to employ practical and effective solutions to our most pressing socio- economic challenges, While the economy is showing positive signs, the recession is still playing out in many parts of the country, including an Increased number of layoffs. Job creation,has been slow in many urban and rural communities which also has led to prolonged unemployment.. At the same time, there are still skill shortages In some industries and occupations, and this grant program creates an opportunity to address both issues. In response to industry skill shortages in high- growth industries and occupations, Congress established the H -1 B visa category for non - immigrants seeking work in high -skill or specialty occupations, imposed a user fee, on employers for H -1 B applications, and set annual limits on the number of H-113 visas granted. ACWIA, as amended, authorized the Department to use a portion of those fees to finance an H -1 B Technical Skills Training Grant Program.. This grant program is designed to provide. education, training, and job placement assistance in the occupations and industries for which employers are using H -1 B visas to hire foreign workers, and the related activities necessary to support such training. The H -1 B Technical Skills Training Grant Program is intended to raise the technical,skill levels of American workers so they can obtain or upgrade employment in high- growth industries and occupations. Over time, these education and training programs will help businesses reduce their use of skilled foreign professionals permitted to work in the U.S, on a temporary basis under the H -113 visa program. While „ the occupations at H -113 skill levels are generally defined as a bachelor's degree or comparable experience, education and training conducted through this program is not limited to skill levels commensurate with 4 -year undergraduate degrees, and can include the preparation of workers for employment along career pathways fora broad range of occupations and industries in which employers are using H -1 B visas to hire foreign workers. H-113 Technical Skills Training Grants are not intended to address entry-level skill shortages nor may they fund programs aimed at imparting basic educational skills; however, applicants may propose-courses that support technical skills development at the post - secondary level, e.g., math, science, or language courses directly related to technical skills training, 2 20A -13