Washington County Economic Alliance Receives Grant to Build Pathways to Quality Jobs

Jul 10, 2023

Contact: Hillary Boggs

Email: hboggs@wceams.com

Washington County Economic Alliance Receives Grant to Build Pathways to Quality Jobs and Financial Security in Rural America

Greenville, MS, July 11, 2023 – The Washington County Economic Alliance will be the recipient of a $40,000 grant from Rural LISC to scale the Delta Compass Funding Collaborative to include healthcare and advanced manufacturing careers. This grant funding will allow WCEA to sustainably grow our workforce programs and continue to build upon the work of Delta Compass, which was formed to build public-private partnerships to support the design, implementation, and sustainability of effective workforce development strategies.

“This is yet another investment that highlights Washington County and the Delta as a national best practice model for workforce funding collaboration.  These dollars will further support our regional employers in providing quality jobs and growing the skilled workforce pool needed to make the Delta a viable 21st century economy.” said Washington County Economic Alliance President and CEO Justin Archer Burch.

“USG has been a proud part of the Greenville community for nearly 100 years. Our foundation is rooted in the success of our team’s ability to work safely, efficiently, and produce high quality ceiling tile for our customers around the world. Our organization is committed to a partnership with the Washington County Economic Alliance to help collaborate on strategies that will close the critical skills gaps that we face in areas of advanced manufacturing. We are excited to be a part of this process and appreciate the investments of Rural LISC into our Delta communities.” said USG Plant Manager Ryan Ashley.

WCEA’s suite of workforce development programs includes the Opportunity Youth Training Program under the Aspen Forum for Community Solutions, the Prime Age Labor Force Training Program, and the Innovation Workforce Training Program which serves returning citizens.