REFUGEEWORKS NEWS

The National Conference on Refugee Professional Recertification was a success.
175 conference participants used the opportunity to exchange ideas and present working models. The event received excellent news coverage. Participants from one of the conference workshops, a working group on public outreach, have established a recertification networking site, where conference presentations have been posted and the discussion continues. Feel free to invite interested foreign-trained professionals and colleagues to join this exciting new platform.

The first of its kind, this conference focused on the specific issues related to professional retraining, job-seeking and recertification for refugees resettling in the United States. Visit the conference page more information, or go directly to the networking site.

RefugeeWorks has also compiled new resource materials in a special section with a focus on recertification.

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NEW FINANCIAL AID FOR EDUCATION AND TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

May 22, 2009 -- Earlier this month, the Department of Labor (DOL) issued a state guidance regarding pell grants and the payment of unemployment benefits to persons enrolled in training programs. According to DOL, the purpose of the guidance is "tostrongly encourage states to: (1) broaden their definition of approved training for Unemployment Insurance (UI) beneficiaries during economic downturns, (2) notify UI beneficiaries of their potential eligibility for Pell Grants and other student aid, and (3) help individuals apply for Pell Grants through One-Stop Career Centers.

This is good news for all workers, including refugees, who have been laid off and arelooking to gain more skills as they seek to re-enter the workforce.

Read the full state guidance here.