![](https://willwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/future-1.png)
During the short legislative session in February, the Oregon House and Senate passed a historic package to invest in workforce development. The Governor’s Future Ready Oregon bill will invest in local workforce development boards, community colleges, apprenticeship programs, and Community Based Organizations to support people with education, training, and resources they need to get into good-paying jobs.
The Future Ready package was developed by a sub-committee of the Governor’s Racial Justice Council and there is a strong emphasis to serve people of color, rural communities, and people who have experienced generational poverty in innovative and new ways. Kim Parker-Llerenas served on the sub-committee that developed the proposal and said “It was an honor and privilege to participate in these discussions. This investment in individuals and workforce development is a once in a generational opportunity. I am excited to explore new partnerships and develop different opportunities to serve businesses and individuals in the mid-valley.”
Strategic Innovation Grant Award
![5384c4ec-96a6-063f-1782-40d5e69a92a1](https://willwp.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/5384c4ec-96a6-063f-1782-40d5e69a92a1.png)
Willamette Workforce Partnership (WWP) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded $200,000 from the Oregon Higher Education Coordination Commission’s competitive Strategic Innovation Grant fund!
WWP’s Youth Wage Grant program will provide wage subsidies to employers with fewer than 35 employees in Linn, Marion, Polk, and Yamhill Counties. These subsidies will help youth between the ages of 14 and 17 obtain first-time employment.