Overview
The goal of this program is to address the disproportionate economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on people of color and other vulnerable populations currently disconnected from the workforce.
The program will focus on providing industry-specific trainings with employer partners who hire program graduates, which are developed and scalable in areas such as construction, waste and recycling hauling, entry-level clerical positions within hospitals and clinics, entry level IT careers, and banking customer service.
Prosper Portland is partnering with Worksystems to provide career training and work opportunities. These services are for Portlanders who are houseless, at risk of eviction or affected by increased violence or crime.
Career training programs are 12 weeks or less. Graduates who complete training are also connected to employment opportunities.
Who does this program serve?
This program will serve Portlanders who were disproportionately economically impacted by COVID-19. It will focus on people of color, people who are unemployed, people who are houseless, people at risk of eviction, and people at risk of involvement in violence.
Timeline
October 2021: Program Launch
December 2024: All funds must be spent
How do I apply for this program?
To apply for this program, please visit https://arpa.worksourceportland…
How is this program funded?
The Rapid Workforce Training & Employment for Vulnerable Portlanders program is funded by Portland’s $208 million allocation for the American Rescue Plan – a federal relief and recovery program enacted in 2021. City of Portland investments span three key priorities:
- Homelessness Response and Household Stabilization
- Small Business and Commercial District Stabilization
- Community Health and Safety
This program supports Homelessness Response and Household Stabilization as well as Small Business and Commercial District Stabilization.
Read more about these investments in this article: American Rescue Plan: Investing in Portland
Who manages this program?
Workystems, Inc. is the region’s workforce development Board. Worksystems develops policies and designs workforce development programs and services delivered through a network of local partners to help people get the skills, training and the education they need to go to work or to advance in their careers.
Results
We want to be transparent and accountable with how the City of Portland is spending American Rescue Plan money. Explore the different projects at our Rescue Plan Open Data website.
For more information
- Prosper Portland’s Economic Recovery Investments Funded by the American Rescue Plan – Prosper Portland
- Worksystems information about American Rescue Plan programs