Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B—
a. 2. B. Describe how the State intends to use Governor’s set aside funding for mandatory and discretionary activities, including how the State will conduct evaluations of Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth activities.
Current Narrative:
West Virginia will use state set aside funds to conduct all mandatory activities.
Rapid Response will be conducted as described in section a.2.C., a.2.D., and a.2.E.
Set aside funding is utilized for mandatory activities for dissemination of appropriate information regarding training providers, ways to access various means of work-based learning, including apprenticeships and on-the-job training, and performance information as described throughout the state plan. Workforce West Virginia (WFWV) is responsible for carrying out these activities. Planned strategies for using funds to meet these activities include (1) development of an annual dissemination plan; (2) utilizing funds to develop appropriate dissemination materials such as pamphlets, brochures, and website materials; and (3) engaging partners in disseminating appropriate materials throughout physical and online locations. Dissemination strategies will be maintained throughout a year and adjusted on an as-needed basis.
The WVWDB and WFWV is developing a robust evaluation agenda and utilizing a portion of the state set-aside funds to conduct more formal mixed-methods evaluations of programs focused on best practices and impactful components of the state’s strategy that positively influence labor force participation, youth services, work-based learning enrollments, and access to education and training for skills development. The evaluation agenda will dig deeper into issues so as to inform stakeholders and the public about effective workforce development practices in West Virginia.
WFWV has a process in place whereby the Local Workforce Development Boards (LWDB) can identify technical assistance needs and request the provision of technical assistance or request funds to meet gaps in service delivery. During the past two years, statewide funds have been used for technical assistance regarding local MOU development and IFA negotiations, new state policy and procedures implementation and training, and compliance issues identified through monitoring. Improved communication strategies and options for requesting technical assistance have been a priority of WFWV in collaboration with the Governor’s office and other program partners.
In addition to the mandatory activities, West Virginia is changing how discretionary activities are funded to meet statewide priorities. In the past and currently, statewide funds have been used to bolster local programming and service delivery. For instance, funds have been used to focus on partnerships with employers for on-the-job training programs, transitional jobs, and skills training. When the LWDB exhausts or becomes low on formula funds or collaborates with businesses and partners to produce a comprehensive program, they may request additional funds. Awards are made based on the amount of funds requested and the proposal documentation submitted. West Virginia supports innovation by reviewing the results of current and recent projects to identify those that show positive results, could benefit from additional resources, and address the state’s strategic plan goals.
A greater priority for use of the Governor’s set aside under this plan will be specific workforce initiatives of the Governor based upon data and identified demand. Examples include the Governor’s Nursing Initiative and initiatives focused on increasing the number of quality and affordable childcare slots in West Virginia to support working parents. West Virginia is facing rapid job growth and new business relocations, so a focused use of statewide funds will be in conjunction with the Department of Economic Development to address needed worker skills upgrades and availability. This has already been a success with the implementation of the nursing expansion program to meet the high demand in the healthcare industry.
To support the Governor, the WVWDB will make recommendations for funding based on the program’s ability to address the strategic goals outlined in this plan. The WVWDB will allow funding applications to be submitted on a biennial basis. After the set-aside funds are allocated and programs are implemented, ongoing monitoring and evaluation efforts are conducted to assess the effectiveness of the investments and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that the funds are being used efficiently and achieving the intended outcomes.
The determination of the WIOA Governor's set-aside involves a careful assessment of workforce development needs, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and ongoing oversight to ensure that the funds are effectively utilized to support the state's workforce development goals.