Located in:
- Program-Specific Requirements for Wagner-Peyser Program (Employment Services)
All Program-Specific Requirements provided for the WIOA core programs in this section must be addressed for either a Unified or Combined State Plan.
e. 6. A. Collaboration
Describe any collaborative agreements the state workforce agency (SWA) has with other MSFW service providers including NFJP grantees and other service providers. Describe how the SWA intends to build upon/increase collaboration with existing partners and in establishing new partners over the next four years (including any approximate timelines for establishing agreements or building upon existing agreements).
Current Narrative:
The State of Michigan currently has one Memorandum of Understanding with Telamon Corporation (National Farmworker Jobs Program grantee), Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Migrant Services Division, and Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) (Appendix IV located under the Common Elements portion of the plan, Other Appendices section).
The Memorandum of Understanding addresses cooperation by the three entities. It covers how referrals are made, information sharing, collaboration between the three agencies, collaboration on special projects, and the frequency of joint staff meetings.
Formed in 1972, the Interagency Migrant Services Committee (IMSC) is the longest running interagency group for coordination of services to Migrant and Seasonal Farm Workers (MSFWs) in the nation. The IMSC is a forum for statewide coordination of service delivery to farm workers, encompassing employment, education, health care, public benefits, legal services, and other assistance. Membership is comprised of state and federal agencies that provide direct and indirect services to this population, non-profits and education institutions, research groups, and representatives of grower interests.
As our principle partners and chief collaborators, the IMSC provides technical assistance and mutual support to member agencies in their work with farm workers/farm labor issues though cross education, promotes the exchange of information between the IMSC and the Migrant Resource Councils (MRC), makes recommendations to policy makers regarding migrant programs, and educates the general public and policy makers about farm workers and farm labor issues.
Michigan’s Governor has launched an initiative that establishes a goal of 60 percent post-secondary attainment by 2030. That will require 700,000 more Michiganders to earn a post-secondary degree or certificate. The MSFWs are an integral component and will contribute toward achieving this goal. LEO has developed an action plan with defined strategies to ensure increased services to MSFWs through extensive collaboration and partnership with several IMSC partner agencies, the Michigan Works! Service Centers, and adult education service providers.
LEO intends to expand English as Second Language (ESL)/English Level Proficiency (ELP) programs to MSFWs at their living/working/gathering places, rather than expecting workers to go to the service centers. There are best practices already in place within the state that will serve as a model for other communities. In addition, we intend to increase access to career advisors and/or counselors to increase the number of adult learners that transition to and complete post-secondary education and/or training programs.
In addition, through an increase in collaborative efforts with Telamon Corporation, LEO will leverage the partnership in significant office regions to ensure MSFWs are connected to the available programs, and institute the exploration of pilot programs for Employer Based Training, On-the-Job Training, and apprenticeship opportunities.
Workforce Development will continue the practice of strengthening partnerships such as that with Love, INC. through a mutual acknowledgement of addressing the needs of MSFWs and facilitating referrals for services.