Delta Regional Authority distributes $898,000 for workforce programs in NEA
by July 10, 2025 2:38 pm 1,206 views
The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) recently awarded approximately $7 million toward 25 workforce development projects supporting economic development initiatives throughout the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions.
Funded through the Delta Workforce Grant Program (DWP), the $7 million investment will support projects and initiatives that address the employment and training needs of the local and regional workforce within DRA’s eight-state service area. This year, DRA awarded grants — ranging from $50,000 to $300,000 — to 25 projects benefiting communities in Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee.
“The Delta Workforce Grant Program is an essential tool that prioritizes projects supporting workforce employment and training needs in the DRA region,” said Dr. Corey Wiggins, DRA federal co-chairman. “As a result of this investment, nearly 2,500 jobs will be created and retained, about 3,000 individuals trained, and over 300 communities served thanks to these initiatives and programming that will strengthen local workforce ecosystems and economic vitality throughout the region.”
The DWP is an initiative designed to build long-term community capacity and to increase economic competitiveness by investing in projects that support workforce training and education programs. The program provides opportunities to recruit, train and retain local workforce; align workforce and economic development strategies; sustain talent pipelines; establish or enhance locally and regionally significant sector-based partnerships; and support enhanced workforce productivity through investments in innovative programming and services.
Arkansas Northeastern College in Blytheville was awarded $300,000 for a workforce education program that will build capacity for middle-skilled jobs in Northeastern Arkansas to support global competitiveness in the industrial maintenance occupational field.
Black River Technical College in Pocahontas was awarded $300,000 for facility renovations and equipment for a collaborative robot welding lab that will support industry-led workforce training for careers in advanced technology in the region.
The Center on Rural Innovation was awarded approximately $298,000 for a workforce initiative that will provide information technology training and industry-recognized certifications to address critical workforce challenges in Phillips County.