(DENVER) — The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) announced today it was awarded a $2,900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) as part of the Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI). These grants are intended to support four states develop or enhance databases to analyze programs that provide workforce training and employment services. Colorado was awarded alongside Connecticut, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Investments in evidence-based approaches to support workers are essential to connecting jobseekers with the skills needed to obtain high-quality jobs. The significant WDQI funding will help Colorado enhance the capacity of workforce development programs and improve the quality and range of workforce data to benefit jobseekers, workers, and employers.
“This was an important decision that will make a positive impact on job seekers and businesses statewide,” said CDLE Executive Director Joe Barela. “Because of this, CDLE will be able to enhance its mission by providing data-driven services for the citizens of Colorado.”
With the support of the WDQI, Colorado will expand the state longitudinal data system (SLDS) by adding at least six new data sources. By developing best-in-class data visualization, predictive modeling, Artificial Intelligence-powered interventions, and causal analysis tools, Colorado will improve job quality and program outcomes and will allow these outcomes to be analyzed by demographics including race, gender, veteran status, disability, and other important characteristics that advance Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and support for underserved communities. To maximize the value of the SLDS, CDLE will also improve the quality of workforce data, expand the capacity to match workforce and education data and create customized outcomes that inform consumer choice.
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