Transportation grants available to provide more direct access to work, training

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) and the State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) are making $600,000 in grants available to implement or expand existing public transportation to give people more direct access to work and job training sites.

Reliable transportation is a major barrier to employment and training opportunities for jobseekers and current workers.

“Finding people a job is only half the battle. We also need to make sure that reliable transportation is available to take them to their job and training sites,” said Cheryl Stanton, DEW’s executive director. “That’s why we are thrilled to provide these grants, because providing transportation is key to ensuring workers can make it to their jobs and to helping businesses retain and grow their workforce.”

“We are excited to be able to provide these funds to enhance our transportation systems,” said Mikee Johnson, SWDB chairman and CEO of Cox Industries. “There are good workers out there, that businesses need, who are unable to work because they lack reliable transportation. We need to remove this barrier to employment so those who seek employment and job training can access it.”

To help remove this barrier, SWDB will award six Transportation Demo Grants in amounts up to $100,000 each. The funds can be used to:

• Pilot an innovative program that works with existing public transit operations to specifically address transportation barriers.
• Use existing transportation infrastructure, such as vehicles and transit providers, to offer transportation to jobseekers and workers.
• Incorporate evening and weekend transportation to allow for 24/7 access to transportation.

Eligible applicants are Local Workforce Development areas, which must partner with a designated public transit provider, a technical college or other approved training provider, an adult education center and a business. Applicants are also encouraged to partner with community-based and faith-based organizations, and other workforce partners when designing transit models.

Applications are due no later than May 15. To learn about how to apply for the grant, email Nina Staggers at [email protected].

About DEW

The S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce (DEW) is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency invests in building a pipeline of quality workers, matches workers with jobs, and is a bridge for individuals who find themselves out of work for no fault of their own. This promotes financial stability and economic prosperity for employers, individuals and communities. DEW is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services that meet the needs of the state’s businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.