Virginia gets nearly $12 million federal grant for workforce development

Virginia is receiving nearly $12 million in federal funds to enhance employment and financial literacy for Virginians with barriers to higher education and employment.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced the Workforce Innovation Fund grant from the U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday.

Officials say the funds will be used to implement a network called the Working Families Success Network at six of the state's employment centers. The network connects community-based organizations and colleges to help people get jobs, complete education or training and improve their finances.

The Virginia Community College System Workforce Development Services unit will oversee the five-year project. Four of Virginia's 23 community colleges are already implementing the model in collaboration with the Achieving the Dream organization.