§ 32–1693.06. Establishment of direct care worker training grants.

(a) Pursuant to § 32-1603(c), no later than January 31, 2022, and by November 1 annually thereafter, the WIC shall issue direct care worker training grants ("grants") to community training providers according to this section.

(b) Grant recipients shall use funds received pursuant to this section to support the salaries and fringe benefits of faculty and staff engaged in training Program participants to become direct care workers and to provide Program participants the financial assistance outlined in § 32-1693.02(b).

(c) Subject to availability of funds, the WIC shall award grants totaling not less than $900,000 per year with the option of 2 additional years based on performance results from previous years.

(d) To be eligible for a grant, an applicant shall:

(1) Be located in the District;

(2) Be a community training provider; and

(3) Demonstrate that its training participants consistently and successfully attain the following benchmarks:

(A) Completion of direct care worker training;

(B) Direct care worker credential attainment;

(C) Obtainment of unsubsidized employment as a direct care worker in the occupation of training; and

(D) Retention of employment as a direct care worker in the occupation of training for 6 months or longer.

(e) The WIC may give preference to grant applicants utilizing integrated education and training, as defined by 34 C.F.R. § 463.35.