Burns announces $800,000 to help veterans find employment

Grants available to connect vets with jobs, remove barriers

EBENSBURG, Nov. 29 – As a staunch supporter of veterans and their families, state Rep. Frank Burns today announced there is an $800,000 state grant program available to help connect veterans with career opportunities.                         

“Since day one I’ve been working to make sure our veterans have access to the programs and benefits they not only were promised, but deserve,” Burns said. “These men and women sacrificed to defend our freedoms, but often face challenges when their service has ended. That’s why I’m highlighting these grants, in the hopes that we can help our friends and neighbors connect to the employers who need them.”

The $800,000 grant program will allow the state to support several workforce development projects with up to $200,000 each to implement a veterans employment program to help address barriers facing veterans.

Burns said he wanted to highlight this grant program and encourage local organizations that qualify to apply to help the many veterans who call Cambria County home. Eligible applicants include local workforce development boards, non-profit and non-governmental entities, community-based organizations, education and post-secondary organizations, labor organizations, business associations and economic development entities.

“Veterans are some of the hardest working people I know, and can be a huge benefit to any employer,” Burns said. “My office stands ready to work with local organizations to help these men and women find good, family-sustaining work in our community.”

Additional details and the grant application can be found on the Department of Labor and Industry's website. The deadline to apply is Dec. 30.