Funding for worker training announced

WASHINGTON, Feb. 24 (UPI) -- The Obama administration announced a second $500 million round of training-to-career funding would be made available to U.S. community colleges this year.

Vice President Joe Biden, his wife, Dr. Jill Biden, and Labor Secretary Hilda Solis announced the new round of funding at Davidson County Community College in Thomasville, N.C. Friday.

The first round of $500 million in grant awards through the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training grant program was announced in September 2011.

"This new round of funding will help community colleges forge new partnerships with local businesses to train workers with the skills they need for jobs available right now," said Biden in a statement.

Solis said, "Building a well-educated workforce is critical for the ongoing strengthening of our economy."

Solis and Dr. Biden, along with the vice president, made the announcement on the final stop of a three-day, five-state bus tour of community colleges.

The funding program is designed so that each state receives a minimum of $2.5 million in grant funding.