For Immediate Release

City of San Antonio Launches COVID-19 Workforce Recovery Program

SAN ANTONIO (August 31, 2020) —The City of San Antonio has partnered with Workforce Solutions Alamo, Alamo Colleges, Project Quest, and other workforce development agencies  to offer free workforce training and education to San Antonio residents who have been negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the hardest hit industries of hospitality, food service, and retail (based on unemployment claims).

This new program, which builds upon existing City workforce strategies, seeks to guide participants on a recommended pathway to gain employment and/or increase their earning potential. Following a skills and career assessment, participants may begin high school equivalency preparation, short-term, long-term or on-the-job training. Qualified participants are eligible to receive stipends of $15/hr (at 30 hours maximum and 6 hours minimum per week) for actual time spent in an approved training program, up to a maximum of $450 a week.

“COVID-19 has deeply impacted the livelihoods of San Antonio residents,” said Mayor Ron Nirenberg. “The City of San Antonio is committed to helping our most vulnerable residents recover from the economic effects of the pandemic, and we can do this best by providing them with training and educational opportunities, so they can get back to work quickly and benefit from a brighter career outlook.”

Residents interested in the program can call Workforce Solutions Alamo at (210) 224- HELP (4357) or visit www.workforcesolutionsalamo.org.

“During this unprecedented time, the City Council has recognized that we need to take unprecedented action,” said City Manager Erik Walsh. “This type of training will help residents focus on gaining new skills while ensuring they can pay their bills, take care of their families, and be in a better economic position post COVID-19.”

The program aims to serve up to 10,000 San Antonio residents by September 2021 with the goal of connecting them to employment in a high-demand occupation. Of these residents served, up to 80% will receive comprehensive wraparound support, case management, and career navigation services.

This program is made available through funding from both the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and City general fund dollars. It is an initiative of the COVID-19 Community Recovery and Resiliency Plan approved by City Council in June.

Additional program partners include, Chrysalis Ministries, Family Service, Restore Education, SA Works, the City of San Antonio Department of Human Services and the Neighborhood and Housing Services Department, among others.

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