The Rapides Foundation has released its new Workforce Opportunity Grant under its Economic Development Initiative. The funding opportunity supports training and education for above-median income occupations for which there is demonstrated, unmet employer demand in the nine-parish area served by the Foundation. The grant is designed to promote partnerships between Central Louisiana businesses and accredited public, nonprofit post-secondary institutions from throughout the state. 

The Foundation is partnering with the Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance (CLEDA) to implement this grant opportunity. Those who intend to apply for the Workforce Opportunity Grant should seek technical assistance for the project proposal from Wayne Denley, CLEDA's Vice President of Knowledge Platforms.

Applicants are encouraged to build strong partnerships between eligible post-secondary institutions, the workforce system, employers, and industry groups, to transform the way they design and deliver courses through accelerated learning strategies, redesigned curricula, distance learning, work-based training, and innovative uses of technology to enhance learning activities. Projects must create or expand the capacity of value-added goods and service providers. 

Complete details about the Workforce Opportunity Grant can be found on the Foundation’s website at www.rapidesfoundation.org under the “Grants-Funding Opportunities” tab. All applications must be submitted using The Rapides Foundation’s online application which can also be found on the website. The mission of The Rapides Foundation is to improve the health status of Central Louisiana. In support of its mission, the Foundation’s Economic Development Initiative makes the link between healthy economies and healthy people. 

“Healthy economies with low unemployment rates and higher wage jobs provide people with the means to purchase medical insurance, make better healthcare choices and live healthier lifestyles,” explained Joe Rosier, president and CEO of The Rapides Foundation. “The goal of the Economic Development Initiative is to raise the median household income and standard of living in Central Louisiana by improving the region’s capacity to produce higher wage jobs for all income levels and generate more wealth in its communities.” 

The Rapides Foundation serves nine parishes in Central Louisiana: Allen, Avoyelles, Catahoula, Grant, LaSalle, Natchitoches, Rapides, Vernon and Winn.