(Washington, DC) – Today, President Barack Obama launched workforce training initiatives including “earn and learn” apprenticeship opportunities and additional steps toward making community college free for responsible students. Following the announcement, Mayor Muriel Bowser and Deputy Mayor for Greater Economic Opportunity Courtney R. Snowden released the following statements:
“I applaud President Obama and the US Department of Labor for expanding access to training and education that provide the knowledge and skills needed to succeed,” said Mayor Bowser. “Here in the District of Columbia, we too are doubling down on programs that put our residents on the pathway to the middle class. Already this year we jump started the L.E.A.P. Academy, launched two new career academies at DCPS high schools, expanded and enhanced the Mayor Marion S. Barry Summer Youth Employment Program, and have increased collaboration with the University of the District of Columbia. I look forward to using innovative approaches to grow the District’s economy while continuing to transform the District’s workforce.”
“By creating pipelines to high-quality jobs in growth industries, we are creating more opportunities to succeed in the District of Columbia,” said Deputy Mayor Snowden. “The Bowser Administration is taking a fresh look at how our workforce dollars are spent. We are overhauling workforce training in the District to create a comprehensive system that prepares residents for the jobs of today and of tomorrow. Through this focused approach, the Bowser Administration is ensuring prosperity reaches all eight wards of the District of Columbia.”