$3.4 million in grants for workforce development

The Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership has announced the recipients of more than $3.4 million in grants to Utah businesses for workforce development. Each year the partnership awards grants to strengthen collaboration between education, industry and economic development leaders to better respond to the needs of regional and state-designated industry clusters.

The Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership has announced the recipients of more than $3.4 million in grants to Utah businesses for workforce development. Each year the partnership awards grants to strengthen collaboration between education, industry and economic development leaders to better respond to the needs of regional and state-designated industry clusters.

“It is essential for Utah to build workforce development programs that align with the needs of employers,” said Jon Pierpont, executive director of the Department of Workforce Services. “With these funds we can target specific industries and education programs that directly benefit our labor force and economy.”

“The Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership enables us to make important investments in local industries and communities,” said Val Hale, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Economic Development. “Success requires a ‘big picture’ approach, and sustainable economic growth starts with education.”

“Education preparing students for careers in Utah’s growing industries is essential in order to meet our state’s workforce demands,” said David Buhler, Utah commissioner of higher education. “This year’s Utah Cluster Acceleration Partnership grantees show the diverse workforce needs of various regions of the state. This program allows us to foster partnerships in key areas to improve the educational and economic outcomes for all Utahns.”

The grants are funded through the Department of Workforce Services. This year, the department also received $1 million from USA Funds to expand and replicate successful career pathway programs.

This year’s grant recipients are located throughout the state, involve multiple education partners in both public education and higher education, and align with several different industries. The 21 grant recipients for 2016 are listed on Page 12.