U.S. Rep. Kathy Castor (FL14) announced that Tampa's University area community has won a major $3.8 million U.S. Department of Labor competitive TechHire Grant to develop tech talent and create the jobs of the future tied to the Tampa Innovation Alliance and surrounding businesses. Tampa/Hillsborough County is one of only 39 communities throughout the country to win the grant and received the highest amount in the State of Florida.

 U.S. Rep. Castor said:  “Earlier this year, I was joined by the Tampa Innovation Alliance, CareerSource Tampa Bay and University Area Community Development Corporation to announce a collaborative effort to win the competitive TechHire Grant. I am pleased to announce that our region has secured $3.8 million for this new jobs-training initiative – a new opportunity to help lift the University area. Tampa Bay TechHire will pilot and scale public-private partnerships supporting education and training in technology for communities that need a boost. Our hard-fought federal investment in jobs aims to recruit more than 1,000 young adults and low-wage workers in Tampa and the surrounding area, with a goal of preparing them for well-paying jobs in information technology and health care. The Tampa Bay area would not have been competitive without so many of our partners like the University of South Florida and a number of local employers and employer coalitions such as the Tampa Bay Technology Forum, Cognizant, and Celestar Holdings Corporation.”

 Ed Peachey, President and CEO of CareerSource Tampa Bay, said:  “Tampa Bay TechHire will expand local technology related job training programs by focusing on accelerated training for youth and young adults with barriers to accessing employment. The program will also train incumbent workers for advancement in critical high-growth IT and health care occupations. The partnership with Tampa Innovation Alliance, IBM, BayCare, and other local companies provides the foundation for long-term sustainable employment.”

 Mark Sharpe, Executive Director of Tampa Innovation Alliance, said:  “There is no limit to what we can accomplish when we work together. The Tampa Innovation Alliance applauds Congresswoman Castor's leadership in winning the TechHire grant and is committed to making sure that all our citizens can participate in the tech economy.”

 Sarah Combs, Executive Director & CEO of University Area CDC, said:  “This grant is a huge win for the residents of the University area community and will be the answer to many families struggling with unemployment and underemployment. The University Area CDC is thrilled to be a part of this collaborative that will focus on bringing job training opportunities to residents that provide the fastest paths to good paying jobs!”

View White House news release

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