The City of Columbus, Ohio has approved a grant of $37,500 that will remove barriers for New Americans, agencies, immigrants and refugees who want to work for the City of Columbus with the creation of New Americans Recruitment Initiative grant.

This is coming after the City recently announced $15 per hour as minimum wage for all its full time employees.

Councilmember Emmanuel V. Remy and the Columbus Civil Service Commission announced the creation of the New Americans Recruitment Initiative grant that funds testing and workforce development training through local social service.

“Our city’s workforce should reflect the diversity of our neighborhoods, and that includes our vibrant and growing New American communities,” said Remy.

“If we are to be a welcoming city for all, we help define a pathway to success for everyone.”

The grants are available to non-profit organizations that serve the immigrant community. Council is funding five grants with a maximum award of $7,500 each.

“It is vital that the City’s workforce be representative of its population,” Remy continued.

“We are working to ensure our immigrant communities are prepared to be employed by the City.”

Applications can be found online at Columbus.gov/Council/CivilServiceGrant.

Completed forms can be emailed to civilservicegrant@columbus.gov, or hard copies delivered to Columbus City Hall, Attention: Civil Service Grant. The deadline for consideration is Friday, December 6, 2019, by 5pm.

Recipients will be notified of award determination by December 31, 2019.

“These grants are intended to be capacity-building tools for organizations that have workforce development programming,” said City of Columbus Civil Service Director Amy DeLong.

“It’s important with we engage our local partners to expand our reach and recruitment efforts.”

The awards can be used for the acquisition of new technology equipment, training, translation services, or other costs associated with implementing or expanding workforce development programming.

“We must work towards prosperity for all, ensuring that our newest Americans have every opportunity to participate in our community,” said Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio CEO Lisa Patt-McDaniel.

“We look forward to partnering with these organizations to make that a reality.”