June 17, 2024
Carson City, Nev. – The Nevada Governor’s Office of Economic Development (GOED) has announced the launch of the Individual Career Mapping and Training Delivery Model program. This initiative aims to close gaps in career navigation and training for underrepresented groups by enhancing access to career exposure, skill assessments, training programs, and employer connections. The project is funded with $1,559,500 from a 2019 settlement with T-Mobile.
“The money that our settlement with T-Mobile brought into the state included a charitable contribution of $30 million earmarked for enhancing opportunities for women, minorities, and women and minority-owned businesses,” said Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford. “With this third GOED-led settlement project, the agency has again demonstrated highly innovative ways to open previously closed doors for underserved communities.”
The two-year program will improve labor market literacy and understanding of job market trends, skill requirements, and opportunities.
“Pathways to economic opportunity are too frequently blocked for minority and women populations,” said Karsten Heise of GOED’s Innovation Based Economic Development division. “This project is based on a validated methodology developed by the GOED team which at its core is integrating the state’s public libraries while reaching deep into underserved communities comprising minorities, women, veterans, people in homeless shelters, re-entry from incarceration, and at-risk youth between the ages of 16-24.”
Central to this initiative is the deployment of two Senior Workforce Development Professionals (SWDP) through a partnership with library partners. The first residencies are within the Carson City Library and the North Las Vegas Library District.
The utilization of STEM-focused resources and virtual reality experiences as part of this project will provide immersive job exploration experiences across Nevada’s Circular Lithium Economy.
“This initiative not only seeks to elevate the professional development of library staff but also fosters a mutually beneficial relationship between workforce professionals and the communities that libraries serve,” said Senior Workforce Development Librarian-in-Residence Tammy Westergard.
North Las Vegas Library District Director Forrest Lewis stated: “As an early adopter of innovative workforce development strategies...this initiative will significantly enhance our ability to serve the community.”
Carson City Library Director Joy Holt shared: “We are thrilled to be part of this groundbreaking initiative...helping to bridge the gap for those who need it most.”
For more information about the grant and program details contact goed@goed.nv.gov.