Building a thriving workforce for the Pittsburgh region.

Board of Directors’ Briefing Book

S e p t e m b e r 1 7 , 2 0 2 1

Rich Fitzgerald

County Executive

Allegheny County

William Peduto

Mayor

City of Pittsburgh

David J. Malone

Chair

Building a thriving workforce for the Pisburgh region.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

David J. Malone, Chair

Chairman and CEO, Gateway Financial

Acklin, Kevin

Vice President and Chief

Counsel Pittsburgh Penguins

Allen, Will

Managing Partner

Magrac Ventures

Barcaskey, Richard

Executive Director

Constructors Association of

Western PA

Bullock, Dr. Quintin

President

Community College of

Allegheny County

Caplan, Debra

Executive in Residence

The Forbes Funds

Casoli, Rich

Chief Operating Officer and

Vice President of Business

Operations and Development

Beemac Trucking

Cooper, Mary Frances

President and Executive

Director Carnegie Library of

Pittsburgh

Coplan, David A.

Executive Director

Human Services Center Corp.

Croft, Tom

Executive Director

Steel Valley Authority

Dalton, Erin

Director, Allegheny County DHS

Ellsworth, Laura

Partner4Work Vice Chair Partner in-

Charge of Global Community

Service

Jones Day

Gittlen, Ike

Representative

United Steelworkers

Harris, Carey

Chief Executive Officer

Literacy Pittsburgh

Holt, Tim

Senior Director Human Resources

UPMC Insurance Services Division

Katona, Marci

District Administrator

Office of Vocational Rehabilitation

Kelly, Darrin

Partner4Work Secretary

President

Allegheny/Fayette Central Labor

Council, AFL-CIO

Lane, Majestic

Deputy Chief of Staff, Office of

Mayor William Peduto

City of Pittsburgh

Massaro, Steve

Partner4Work Treasurer President

Massaro Construction Group

McLaughlin, Caitlin

Executive Vice President, Director

of Talent Lifecycle

Melcher, Tom

Business Manager

Pittsburgh Regional Building Trades

Council

Mendoza, Brandon

Executive Director

NAIOP Pittsburgh

Nobers, Jeff

Executive Director

Builders Guild of Western PA

Pipitone, Scott

President and CEO

Pipitone Group

Pollard, Joshua

President and CEO

Omicelo

Rendulic, Mark

Market President

Citizens Bank

Rupert, Duke

Chief Operating Officer

Allegheny General Hospital

Staszko, Frank

Assistant Regional Director

PA Department of Labor and

Industry, Bureau of Workforce

Partnerships and Operations

Thomas, John

Chief Financial Officer

ECHO Realty

Topoleski, Linda

Vice President, Workforce

Operations and Programs

Allegheny Conference on

Community Development

Washington, Dr. Nancy

Director, Allegheny Housing

Rehabilitation Corporation

Williamson, Sam

Chair

Urban Redevelopment Authority

Western PA Area Leader, 32BJ

Service Employees International

Union

September 2021

Partner4Work Board of Directors’ Meeting

8:30-10 a.m. September 17, 2021

Via Zoom: https:// us0 2web.zoom.us/j/87209554814?p wd=UU0wa2Y1VkNOWllSWEZITFliT203UT09

1. Welcome and roll call David J. Malone, Chair

2. Introduction of Rob Cherry and acknowledgement of Deb Caplan David J. Malone

3. General Business – Consent Agenda

▪ APPROVE Minutes from June 25, 2021

▪ APPROVE Near Completers and Supportive Services policies

▪ ACKNOWLEDGE The actions taken by the Executive Committee since the last Full Board meeting.

o Accept minutes from March 12 and June 11

o Accept $50,000 from the Pittsburgh Penguins for the Lower Hill First Source initiative; $5,000 from Key

Bank and $45,000 from Citizens Bank to support BankWork$

o Add: Rob Cherry as an authorized signer on contracts and P4W bank accounts

o Approve contracts:

Early Childhood Education

Community College of Allegheny County $23,325

Pathways Home (Re-entry)

Trade Institute of Pittsburgh $150,000

Builders Guild of Western PA $150,000

Work412 Professional LLC $150,000

Landforce $150,000

Near Completers

Community College of Allegheny County $1,493,431

Provider Transition (EARN)

Goodwill of Southwest PA $75,000

Grant Associates, Inc. $75,000

Career Services for Dislocated Workers

Jewish Family & Community Services $120,000

Career Services Expansion (PACL)

Grant Associates, Inc. $40,000

Dynamic Workforce Solutions $80,000

UPMC Pathways

Dynamic Workforce Solutions $40,000

MOUs

Career Services Expansion (PACL)

Goodwill of Southwest PA

Wilkinsburg Family Support Center

Focus on Renewal

Auberle

Allegheny Valley Association of Churches

Lower Hill Redevelopment First Source Center

Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh

4. Committee Reports

o Finance and Personnel

▪ Fourth quarter financials Kristin Kramer, CFO

▪ Staff demographics and Org Chart Jen Pajewski, CoS

o Programs Susie Puskar, CPO

▪ WIOA outcomes

▪ Job quality and Good Jobs Challenge

▪ Learn & Earn

o Governance Debra Caplan, Chair

5. CEO’s Report Rob Cherry, CEO

o Transition

6. Other Business

Title II Report to the Board of Directors Carey Harris, CEO, Literacy Pittsburgh

7. Open Forum and Public Comment

Speakers are limited to three (3) minutes

8. Adjournment

ZOOM

Minutes of Partner4Work Board of Directors’ Meeting

Via ZOOM

8:30 a.m. June 25, 2021

(Full meeting recording is available at

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL2d6wkiVHPChuaCNRu0QDxlqqIUNVG5TN)

Board Members Present

Allen, Will

Barcaskey, Rich

Bullock, Dr. Quinton B.

Casoli, Rich

Cooper, Mary Frances

Coplan, David

Croft, Tom

Dalton, Erin

Ellsworth, Laura

Gittlen, Ike

Harris, Carey

Katona, Marci

Kelly, Darrin

Lane, Majestic

Malone, David

Massaro, Steve

McLaughlin, Caitlin

Nobers, Jeff

Pipitone, Scott

Pollard, Joshua

Rendulic, Mark

Rupert, Duke

Thomas, John

Topoleski, Linda

Washington, Dr. Nancy

Williamson, Sam

Board Members Absent

Acklin, Kevin

Barcaskey, Rich

Melcher, Tom

Mendoza, Brandon

Pollard, Joshua

Rupert, Duke

Thomas, John

Guests Present

Blystone, Amy (PA CareerLink)

Herrera, Jasmine (Grant Associates)

Higgins, Kiara (Dynamic Workforce Solutions)

Leisten, Terri (Dynamic Workforce Solutions)

Nestor, Jennifer (Labor and Industry, Oversight Services)

Lampman, Chester (Labor and Industry)

Stanbro, Sean (Equus Workforce)

Wolf, Bridget (Equus)

Wool, Liana (Grant Associates)

Staff Present

Caplan, Debra

Kramer, Kristin

Long, Markese

Moore, Dillon

Pajewski, Jennifer

Puskar, Susie

Board Meeting Minutes

Chair David Malone opened the meeting at 8:32 a.m. Roll was taken, and a quorum was present. Staff,

board members, and guests were asked to acknowledge their participation in the chat feature.

CEO Search

David Malone offered 50 applications were received; a search firm was not hired. The Committee

narrowed the pool to 12, interviewing all candidates. Two finalists were identified. Both candidates

expressed interest in P4W’s business model; both were highly qualified and exceptional candidates. The

Search Committee selected and negotiated a contract with the new CEO. The hire will be announced on

July 1; and the start date will be July 26.

CONSENT AGENDA

The Consent Agenda included:

▪ APPROVE Minutes from March 19, 2021 (There was a correction to Learn & Earn contract)

▪ ACCEPT $2,500,000 from the state Department of Labor & Industry for near completers

▪ ACCEPT $75,000 from Jobs for the Future for best practices in workforce outcomes

▪ ACCEPT $30,000 from CareerWorks for BankWork$

▪ ACKNOWLEDGE The actions taken by the Executive Committee since the last Full Board meeting.

o Acknowledge: Three Executive Sessions of the Executive Committee to discuss personnel

matters

(April 30, May 25, and June 7, 2021)

o Accept $925,000 in funding received from Allegheny County.

o Approve contracts:

Year-round youth

Auberle $101,000

Auberle $105,000

Bloomfield-Garfield Corporation $161,000

City Charter High School $46,821.53

Community Empowerment Assoc. $106,145.00

Equus $314,300.00

Equus $62,660.00

Goodwill of Southwest PA $170,000.00

Human Service Center Corp $498,550.00

Jewish Family & Community Services $84,000.00

Neighborhood Learning Alliance $271,000.00

Phase 4 $1,501,000.00

Pittsburgh Public Schools $181,889.00

Point Park University $169,638.55

Youth Enrichment Services $159,400.00

BankWork$

Energy Innovation Center Institute $327,660

Redesigned Jobs, Resilient Workers

JP Harvey Associates $20,000.00

(Third-party evaluation services)

CareerLink outreach & communication support

Shift Collaborative LLC $24,850.00

EARN

DB Grant Associates, Inc. $1,900,000

Educational Data Systems, Inc. $1,200,000

Goodwill of Southwestern PA $650,000

Literacy Pittsburgh $40,000

WorkReady

DB Grant Associates, Inc. $500,000

Educational Data Systems, Inc. $495,000

Goodwill of Southwestern PA $200,000

Literacy Pittsburgh $40,000

Dislocated Worker Program Research & Analysis

Stacy Woodruff $20,000

Pathways Home

Allegheny County (Jail Collaborative) $450,000

Industry-Recognized Training Program (IRTP)

Swanco, Inc. dba All-State Career School $150,000

Builders Guild of Western PA $128,037

Tech Elevators $100,750

UPMC Center for High Valued Health Care $235,500

Transportation EARN and Work Ready

Travelers Aid Society of Pittsburgh $250,000

Title I Adult & Dislocated Worker (CareerLink)

Dynamic Workforce Solutions $1,762,000

DB Grant Associates, Inc. $1,700,000

One Stop Operator (CareerLink)

Equus Workforce Solutions $482,010

Title I Adult (Transitional jobs)

Community Kitchen Pittsburgh $215,000

Budget Reduction

Pathways Home, APRI ($150,000)

Budget Increase

Year-Round Youth, Phase 4 $100,000

o Approve: P4W Incentive and Stipend Policy

o Approve: Exception to the Partner4Work ITA policy allowing individuals to qualify for an ITA

for the Intro to the Trades Program if they do not have a high school diploma and are

enrolled in the TradeUp program. The TradeUp program will concurrently prepare students

to earn their GED while they are enrolled in the Intro to the Trades Program.

There were no questions, and no one wished to discuss any item in more detail for separate

treatment. The consent agenda passed as presented. Board members Dr. Quintin Bullock, Dave

Coplan, Carey Harris, Marci Katona, and Jeff Nobers abstained.

FINANCE COMMITTEE

Treasurer Steve Massaro opened with the 2021-2022 budget and asked CFO Kristin Kramer to provide

high-level budget details and third-quarter financials. Budget highlights:

● The 2021-2022 budget is expected to be $26 million, down $3 million because of the end of the

National Dislocated Worker grant

● WIOA funds will be split youth, adult, and dislocated worker

● WIOA funding increased $1 million

● TANF reduced $860,000

● Learn & Earn funding is consistent

● Salary and wages increased $182,000 to include a 3 percent increase for staff and a high-level

position to be filled at the discretion of the new CEO.

● IT services decreased as program management and CRM services will not be purchased.

● Meeting expenses decreased due to the prevalence of virtual meetings

● Travel decreased due to staffing changes.

On a motion by Dr. Bullock, seconded by Dave Coplan, the 2021-2022 budget was approved by

unanimous vote.

On a motion by Dave Coplan, seconded by Steve Massaro, the Form 990 submissions for TRWIB, Inc.

and RWC, were approved by unanimous vote.

Ms. Kramer reviewed the third-quarter flash report included in the Board Book and displayed on the

screen. Highlights:

● Cash is about $5 million, average for the organization.

● Line of credit is zero.

● Assets include prepaid expenses and leasehold improvements on the 24

floor.

● Liabilities show $4.7 million, most of which is due to providers.

● Accounts receivable sits at $4 million, with 8 percent over 90 days including about funds from

Buccini Pollin Group and Employ Milwaukee.

● Liabilities are about $3 million in accounts payable, $2.9 due to providers.

● Net income showing a loss but should be offset by funding coming in the next quarter.

● New monies have been received from Heinz Endowments, National Fund, Hillman, and Bank of

America.

Chief of Staff Jen Pajewski reminded that for the last several months, the organization has been working

with Dave Coplan and his students at Pitt to revise and strengthen the P4W Employee Handbook. The

Handbook had not been revised since 2014. Many of the policy changes represent P4W’s commitment

to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

With no comments or questions, and on motion by Steve Massaro, seconded by Dr. Bullock, the

handbook was approved by unanimous vote.

PROGRAMS

Susie Puskar, chief program office, discussed some of the program highlights over the last year.

• The unemployment rate between March and April dropped by a full percentage rate. It’s a good

sign that people are going back to work; however, employers have expressed frustration in the

finding employees. The Program and Strategy teams will develop a toolkit to help willing

employers improve job quality.

• Title I providers are making more referrals for job seekers; each job seekers is referred to three

active and vetted postings. CareerLink also is serving more job seekers; active cases are up 53

percent. Employees are being hired at a higher median wage at $16.35/hour.

• New programming in place this year includes SkillsBuild; the Hub online system used by

CareerLink partners to allow job seekers to access services from home; seven new employer-

driven training programs.

Discussion focused on the cause of the labor shortage – childcare, enhanced unemployment,

reskilling, etc. Contributors include uncertainty about schools and lack of consistency in in-

person schools. Also, as people are vaccinated, they are more likely to return to the workforce.

Employers will need to be more flexible to retain talent, and community partners will need to

find people and help them connect with the workforce.

• The recidivism rate for individuals connected in the STRIVE program is one percent. A push-in

program at the Allegheny County Jail will begin July 1. Partner4Work and partners are building a

much better system for returning citizens.

Discussion also focused on workers, in particular a study about job satisfaction and why people

are leaving workplaces. The P4W data team with pull some quantitative data about how many

people are leaving and then investigate the qualitative side of the equation.

Other areas Ms. Puskar covered:

• Freedom House 2.0 graduation

• More corporate contributions were made to Learn & Earn than ever before

• EARN and Work Ready will be better prepared to serve job seekers who are going through these

programs

• 2,500 young people were served in all youth programs More than ¾ received paid work

experience.

• 250 youth who dropped out of high school earned a diploma or GED.

• Building a continuum of services to help individuals advance along systems to careers.

• Local and regional plans were posted for comment. Both plans have been provisionally

approved.

On a motion by Steve Massaro, seconded by Dr. Bullock, the final Regional and Local Workforce Plans

were approved by unanimous vote.

INTERIM CEO’S REPORT

Ms. Caplan publicly lauded the team, the Board and the leadership. She discussed WIOA

Reauthorization. WIOA was signed into law in 2014 and is the basis of the work of P4W. Most

appropriations took effective 2015 and was extended through fiscal year 2021 and is expected to be

extended again. WIOA reauthorization conversations have begun. P4W has been coordinating with

Midwest Urban Strategies to comment on the reauthorization and recommendations included local

flexibility, improved data systems, and updates to the one-stop MOU and the role of the operator.

P4W has been at the table and participated in several calls. Conversations are expected through 2022.

In addition to collaboration with MUS, National Fund, the local Ready to Work Collaborative continues

to make progress in advancing priorities through the pandemic and beyond.

• Advancement of the small minority accelerator project. Twenty major employers have signed up

to participate in the report.

• P4W have been participating in conversations on the ARP funding that state and local

governments will receive. Recommendations include youth programming, supportive services,

expanding industry-recognized training models, and job retention strategies.

• JP Morgan Chase Advancing Cities funding of up to $5 million to advance economic progress for

Black and Latino women. P4W will play a supporting role.

NEW BUSINESS

There was no new business.

PUBLIC COMMENT

There was no public comment.

The meeting adjourned at 10:26 a.m.

Dislocated Worker Near Completer Demonstration Project

Participant Eligibility Policy

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to articulate the eligibility requirements for participation in the Dislocated Worker

Near Completers Demonstration Project (NCDP) in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County.

The NCDP will support job seekers who have been displaced from employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic

and who were within one semester (16-weeks) or less of completing training to enroll in educational programs

of one semester (16-weeks) or less in duration that are able to rapidly attach the participant to industry

recognized credentials, degrees, and employment in a High Priority Occupation (HPO).

Affected Parties

This policy applies to all Allegheny County / City of Pittsburgh NCDP participants and to individuals interested in

enrolling in these programs. Allegheny County / City of Pittsburgh NCDP service provider staff and Partner4Work

staff are responsible for implementing this policy.

References

● WIOA Section 3(2), (5), (15), (16), (36)

● PA Workforce System Guidance No. 04-2015 (Change 1), September 11, 2017

● Dislocated Worker Near Completer Demonstration Project – Notice of Grant Availability (March 19,

2021)

Eligibility Requirements

NCDP participants must meet the following requirements for program eligibility:

1. Basic Eligibility Requirements:

a. Be 18 years of age or older;

b. Be a citizen or noncitizen authorized to work in the U.S.; and

c. If male, meet selective service registration requirements (see below).

d. Registered in the Commonwealth Workforce Development System (CWDS) with a specified

Participant Identification Number (PID).

2. Be workers who were displaced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Job loss must have occurred between

March 1, 2020 through June 19, 2021 (the date when the governor’s pandemic order ended).

3. Be workers who were previously making less than $15.00 per hour prior to their job loss.

4. Be workers who were displaced from COVID-19 pandemic disrupted industries only:

o Accommodation and Food Service

o Health Care and Social Assistance

o Construction

o Administrative and Waste Services

o Manufacturing

o Retail Trade

o Transportation and Warehousing

5. Meet the Institute of Higher Education’s established program admission requirements.

6. Be able to finish their formal training program to complete a certificate, associates, or bachelor’s degree

within 1 semester or a 16-week timeframe unless a waiver is approved by the Commonwealth.

7. Be a former post-secondary student who exited a post-secondary training between (January 1, 2016 –

present) without obtaining their certification or degree/credential, had a 2.0 GPA (or higher) upon exit,

and are currently interested, available, and capable of returning to finish their degree during the period

of performance of the grant.

8. Be interested and able to pursue employment with the intention of becoming employed within 12

months of education program completion.

9. Meet the eligibility requirements for and are co-enrolled in either Workforce Innovation and

Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Adult or Dislocated Worker programs. The Partner4Work WIOA

Adult/Dislocated Worker Eligibility Policy outlines the eligibility requirements for these programs.

Primary Eligibility Review

It is the NCDP staff’s responsibility to review and sign off on all registration paperwork for completeness and

accuracy. Staff must maintain a centrally controlled file for each program applicant and registrant which

contains copies of all eligibility documents collected. NCDP staff will provide Federal, State, and Partner4Work

monitors with access to such records given reasonable notice.

Participant Self-Reporting

Participant self-reporting is an allowable method for verifying certain eligibility criteria. A Participant Self Report

Form, signed by the participant, must be obtained to verify the following:

● The participant lost their job due to the pandemic during the eligible timeframe of March 1, 2020

through June 19, 2021.

● The participant was making less than $15.00 per hour prior to the pandemic with their specific wage

indicated.

● The participant was working in a pandemic-impacted industry as specified below with the industry

identified.

o Accommodation and Food Service

o Health Care and Social Assistance

o Construction

o Administrative and Waste Services

o Manufacturing

o Retail Trade

o Transportation and Warehousing

● The participant was previously enrolled in an educational program within the HPO cluster within the

past 5 calendar years with the degree and major previously seeking indicated.

Selective Service Requirements

Every male citizen and male permanent resident non-citizen in the United States between the ages of 18 and 26

are required to register with Selective Service. Males who failed to register with Selective Service by their 26th

birthday and can provide written explanation and supporting documentation of any of the following may be

eligible for WIOA services:

● Over the age of 26 and were willing but unknowing of the requirement to register with Selective Service;

● Incarceration, institutionalization, or hospitalization between the ages of 18-26; OR

● Non-citizen status and non-permanent resident status before age 26.

Partner4Work will monitor Selective Service exceptions to ensure that proper procedures are followed.

Policy Exceptions:

Under limited circumstances, Partner4Work may grant exceptions to requirements within this policy. Requests

for exceptions may be submitted to policy@partner4work.org. Requests should include the following:

● The specific policy requirement for which an exception is being requested;

● A clear summary of the exception being requested and the reason for the exception; and

● For WIOA programs, the Participant ID of the participant(s) for which an exception is being requested.

For non-WIOA programs, the full name of the participant(s) for which an exception is being requested;

● The name and FEIN of the business customer for which an exception is being requested.

Exception requests will be reviewed based on their allowability under WIOA and any other applicable legislation,

regulation, and policy/guidance. Partner4Work will also consider funding availability, how an exception will lead

to improved outcomes for the customer(s) being served, and other relevant factors.

Effective Date: September 17, 2021

SUPPORTIVE SERVICES POLICY

Purpose

Partner4Work, through PA CareerLink® Pittsburgh/Allegheny County and a network of Adult, Dislocated Worker,

and Youth providers, ensures appropriate and necessary supportive services to assist program participants are

available. This policy is in full compliance with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and its

associated regulations.

Affected Parties

This policy applies to all Pittsburgh/Allegheny County WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth participants.

WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth staff in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County are

responsible for implementing this policy.

References

● WIOA Section 3(59)

● 20 CFR §680.900

● Dislocated Worker Near Completer Demonstration Project – Notice of Grant Availability (March 19,

2021)

Definition of Key Terms

“Supportive Services” means services such as transportation, child care, dependent care, housing, and needs-

related payments, that are necessary to enable an individual to participate in activities authorized under WIOA.

“Needs related payments” provide financial assistance to enable individuals to participate in training activities.

Partner4Work is currently not providing needs related payments or services to WIOA participants.

Eligibility Requirements

The following are supportive service eligibility requirements for adult and dislocated workers:

● Participant must be a WIOA eligible adult or dislocated worker.

● Participant must be participating in WIOA career services or training services.

● Participant must be unable to obtain supportive services through other programs providing such

services.

The following are supportive service eligibility requirements for youth participants:

● Participant must be a WIOA eligible youth participant.

● Participant must be unable to obtain supportive services through other programs providing such

services.

Policy

The WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and/or Youth program staff should meet with each participant to

assess the need for supportive services. Each participant should be given individualized case management

services and plan development in order to eliminate possible dependency on supportive services. Supportive

services awards should be based on individual participant needs and plan development. This information should

be properly documented in the Individual Employment Plan (IEP) and case notes in the Commonwealth

Workforce Development System (CWDS). Supportive services may only be awarded when necessary to enable

participation in WIOA career services or training activities. P4W funds must be used in accordance with the

requirements of the Federal Uniform Guidance and all other guidance and regulations applicable to the funding

source.

Because WIOA funds should only be used to provide supportive services when they are unavailable through

other resources and service providers, WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth program staff are

responsible for coordinating services and providing referrals to other state and local agencies offering

supportive services. WIOA Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth program staff must ensure that all other

avenues and resources have been exhausted prior to expending WIOA funds for supportive services. Staff must

provide documented proof of the service being unavailable in the area through other resources including PA 211

Southwest (http://pa211sw.org/).

Partner4Work WIOA Supportive Services Availability:

Partner4Work will only provide funding for the below list of supportive services to WIOA Adult, Dislocated

Worker, and Youth customers. WIOA Title I program staff will determine the need for supportive services and

monitor the customer’s progress and status to assess ongoing need.

1. Transportation – Supportive services funds may be used to cover certain transportation costs, including

a.) Bus passes, not exceeding Allegheny Port Authority’s monthly fare; b.) Gas cards, not exceeding $25

per week.

2. Driver’s license or state identification card: A WIOA participant may receive supportive services funds

for one (1) instance of the cost of obtaining a state driver’s license or identification card. Supportive

service funds may not be used to pay for the costs of fines, penalties, or legal fees associated with

obtaining or reinstating a driver’s license.

3. Non-employer paid licensing/certification or educational testing fees- A WIOA participant may receive

funding for a maximum of two (2) instances of the same license/certification or test utilizing WIOA

supportive services dollars. WIOA Title I program staff will determine the need for licensing or testing

through employer demand. The staff will make the necessary arrangements with the vendor for

payment. The cost of GED testing and/or obtaining GED transcripts may be covered under this

supportive services category.

4. Drug Testing and/or TB Testing: A WIOA participant may have one (1) instance of a drug test and/or TB

test paid for through WIOA supportive services dollars.

5. Criminal Background Checks and/or Clearances— A WIOA participant may have one (1) instance of

obtaining a criminal background check and/or clearances necessary to begin employment and/or

education paid through WIOA supportive services dollars. This includes one (1) instance of each of the

following: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record

Checks, and Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) Criminal History Background Check.

6. Clothing and/or uniform: A WIOA participant may receive one (1) voucher for up to $100 to purchase

clothing and/or a uniform(s) necessary for participation in training, a job interview, or the first week of

employment if these items are not provided by the training provider or employer.

7. Equipment/tools: A WIOA participant may receive one (1) voucher for up to $250 to cover the costs of

tools and/or equipment necessary for participation in training or the first week of employment if these

items are not provided by the training provider or employer.

8. Unions and Registered Apprenticeships Fees: A WIOA participant applying to a union and/or registered

apprenticeship may receive assistance for non-employer paid, non-refundable costs required for initial

admittance or participation in the program. These costs may include application fees, initial dues (one

month only), and/or required clothing/shoes. Supportive services funds may only be used if the

expenses are a requirement for participation in training and/or a reasonable condition of employment.

9. Reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities —WIOA supportive services dollars may

only be used as the funding of last resort for these accommodations.

Additional allowances for the Near Completers Demonstration Project (NCDP) are described in Attachment 1 of

this policy.