The grants are the first part of a $2 billion, four-year program that will be implemented in tandem with Obama’s American Jobs Act, according to an Education Department press release. In this first round, 32 community colleges will coordinate with employers to deliver a curriculum that equips out-of-work citizens with the skills necessary to reenter the jobs market.
"Making it possible for unemployed Americans to return to work is a top priority of President Obama's. This initiative is about providing access to training that leads to real jobs," Labor Secretary Hilda Solis said in a statement.
When introducing his jobs plan, Obama outlined his goal of ensuring that every American has at least one year of postsecondary education. He also expressed his hope that the United States could have the highest proportion of college graduates in the world by 2020.
Every state will receive at least $2.5 million toward community college training under this initiative, according to the press release. Those states that did not receive any money in this initial phase will coordinate with federal officials to brainstorm ideas for worthwhile projects.
