The AIOIC in Minneapolis was Awarded $5 Million from the U.S. DOL for IT/Healthcare IT Training and Employment Services

    MINNEAPOLIS, MN, November 08, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In October, the American Indian OIC (AIOIC) was awarded a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to train 1,126 individuals in a variety of IT-related programs for employment. The High Demand Occupations project will provide training for Computer Support Specialist, Healthcare Data Security, Healthcare Technical Software Support, Healthcare Implementation Support, Microsoft Certification, Social Media and Public Relations Specialist. All training programs offer a FULL SCHOLARSHIP for eligible candidates. Computer Support and Public Relations programs are proposed to start at the end of November with other programs expected to begin in the spring quarter.

These programs are being developed with the support of industry experts to assure that the latest technology and job skills are included in training. Our employment partnerships include Select Source International (SSI) an international a global solutions provider of IT staffing and project services; Coordinated Business Systems a Minnesota based information management company; and Peter Hill Design an international company focused on brand, design and strategy. Partnerships are expected to expand to include Tru Efficiency who is focused on implementing electronic health records as well as a variety of healthcare providers. AIOIC is excited about the level of expertise the partners bring to this project which are key to create professional, relevant coursework as well as to expose students to companies for internships and employment.

The training programs are geared at supporting individuals who have struggled with long-term unemployment which is defined as unemployed for 26 weeks or longer or are underemployed. Eligible candidates are U.S. citizens, nationals, and immigrants authorized by the Attorney General to work in the U.S. (including lawfully admitted permanent resident aliens, refugees, and asylees). While our primary focus is to serve American Indians, our services are available to everyone. Interested students will need to complete an assessment prior to beginning enrollment. Because of their expertise with serving the unemployed and underemployed, the Minneapolis Workforce Centers is a key partner and is central to recruiting and assessing candidates for these programs. AIOIC also has partnerships with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, Leech Lake Twin Cities Office, White Earth Band and Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe urban offices who are committed to connect American Indian's with this opportunity.

AIOIC is an accredited training institution with over 30 years of experience providing coursework essential to emerging employment opportunities. This agency is a nationally recognized training and employment agency and has been honored with site visits from Hilda Solis, U.S. Secretary of Labor earlier this year and Nancy Pelosi, in 2008, then Speaker of the House. Locally, AIOIC has appreciated the ongoing support of the Minneapolis Workforce Council and the City of Minneapolis. AIOIC, along with our supporters and partners, are excited about the opportunities this grant award will bring to those in the community looking for a new career pathway. For further information, please call 612/341-3358.

For information about the American Indian OIC, please visit: www.aioic.org.
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To view the News Release from the U.S. Department of Labor, please visit: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/eta/eta20111453.htm

Founded in 1979. The American Indian OIC is an accredited, post-secondary institution that has educated over 20,000 people. Although dedicated to serving American Indians, resources & programs are available to all persons regardless of race, creed, color, age or gender

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