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2 Year Modification

Plan: Missouri PYs 2022-2023 (Mod)
Combined Plan C

Section: WIOA State Plan Common Elements

Narrative: III. a. 2. G.

Published
Located in:
  • III. Operational Planning Elements

    The Unified or Combined State Plan must include an Operational Planning Elements section that supports the State’s strategy and the system-wide vision described in Section II(c) above.  Unless otherwise noted, all Operational Planning Elements apply to Combined State Plan partner programs included in the plan as well as to core programs.  This section must include—

    • a. State Strategy Implementation

      The Unified or Combined State Plan must include–

      • 2. Implementation of State Strategy

        Describe how the lead State agency with responsibility for the administration of each core program or a Combined Plan partner program included in this plan will implement the State’s Strategies identified in Section II(c). above. This must include a description of—

III. a. 2. G. Leveraging Resources to Increase Educational Access

Describe how the State’s strategies will enable the State to leverage other Federal, State, and local investments that have enhanced access to workforce development programs at the above institutions, described in section (E).

View corresponding narrative from PYs 2020-2023

Current Narrative:

Missouri is committed to finding connections between partners in each region. Partners will share and maintain resource allocations at the local level. For example, Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) may provide funding to individuals with disabilities for postsecondary training. As partners seek to co-enroll their customers, this will provide opportunity for leveraging of these resources through braiding of both educational dollars, as well as supportive services to ensure the customer’s success. VR also provides guidance and counseling to job seekers ensuring that access to comparable services funding is achieved, whether through partner agencies or through federal funding, such as the Pell grant.

Department of Social Services (DSS) Work and Community Programs

The DSS Work and Community Programs have a variety of employment and training initiatives that use Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) funds and continues to engage with partners braiding funding and researching availability of new funding sources. 

  • FNS funds: FNS provides approximately $1.3 million in 100% funding per FY for SkillUP. In addition, they provide approximately $3.5 million in 50/50% federal match funding for SkillUP and Excel Centers; however, this requires an investment of non-federal funds. The Excel Centers and Missouri Community College Association use match funding to increase employment and training opportunities for Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients.
  • TANF Funds: Due to the limited FNS funding, the state budget allocates approximately $13 million a year in TANF funds to serve SNAP recipients through SkillUP and Excel Centers. This has allowed for a spike in participation, especially in short-term training for non-credentialed courses as these trainings are not eligible for Pell grant funds. TANF funds also support the Missouri Work Assistance (MWA) program and Department of Corrections (DOC) initiatives.
  • Healthcare Industry Training and Education (HITE): This grant afforded nearly 1,800 Missouri residents the opportunity to participate in healthcare training. Three local WDBs received this funding allocation through September 2021 and braided it with WIOA funds to ensure clients had the wrap-around services to be successful. The DSS Work and Community Programs are currently researching a funding source to continue a similar program to HITE given its success.  As noted previously, Missouri uses a system of Now, Next, and Later to categorize the occupations according to the training and education typically required for success on the job. Healthcare professions are in the top three list of job openings for each of these categories validating the need for an employment training program focused on healthcare skills. 
  • Community Action Agencies (CAAs) may use Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds to coordinate and expand local services and programs related to the elimination of poverty. Activities often entail planning and management functions that facilitate shared resources and integrated approaches among multiple categorical services and programs within a community. CAAs also leverage, enhance, and supplement the impact of programs supported by other federal, state, local, and private funding sources. CAAs specifically target the strengthening of community capabilities for planning and coordinating use of broad range resources related to the elimination of poverty so that this assistance can be used in a manner responsive to local needs and conditions. CAAs are required to develop linkages that fill identified gaps in services and support innovative community and neighborhood-based initiatives. CAAs are also required to coordinate and establish linkages between governmental and other social services programs assuring the effective delivery of services to low-income individuals and avoiding duplication of services.
                     

The one-stop delivery system works closely with education providers offering customers a large amount of educational opportunities. All education providers are listed on the state’s Eligible Training Provider System. Missouri commits resources for the benefit of mutual customers, encouraging partners to work together.

The State Apprenticeship Expansion Grants support Missouri in expanding and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship Program opportunities. These strategies include convening key industry representatives, state agency leaders, and educational partners to serve as intermediaries. As strategic partners, they elevate apprenticeship as a workforce solution in both traditional and non-traditional industries including IT, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, cyber-security, business services, transportation, and others. 

The merger of Workforce Development with the Department of Higher Education allows these agencies to fill gaps in service provision to Missouri customers. Job seekers utilizing Missouri Job Centers will now have greater and more flexible access to postsecondary options. Additionally, postsecondary students who do not complete college, or are looking for alternative training avenues, will be able to access more options such as work-based learning or apprenticeships through workforce development. This merger improves opportunities for employers who want access to a diverse talent pool.