Washington, DC – On September 1, 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced the launch of the Apprenticeship Ambassador Initiative, a national network with more than 200 employers, industry organizations, labor organizations, educators, workforce intermediaries, and community-based organizations who are committed to strengthening and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship. Prairie View A&M University’s Rural Workforce Academy was one of the many organizations chosen as Ambassadors.
First Lady Jill Biden, Secretary Marty Walsh, and Secretary Gina Raimondo hosted a discussion at the White House with leaders of the Initiative. Ambassadors who participated in the event used their expertise to scale innovative practices and increase access to Registered Apprenticeships for underserved populations, including women, youth, people of color, rural communities, arrest or conviction records, and people with disabilities.
Community & Economic Development Workforce Specialist Laura Jones attended on behalf of the university and the College of Agriculture and Human Sciences. “Since agriculture is in our name, we are thrilled to be one of The Apprenticeship Ambassadors to focus on agricultural occupations and make training accessible to underserved populations,” Jones said.
White House officials have selected Prairie View A&M University as one of the eight Ambassadors from 200 to feature in White House Press Releases and fact sheets. The WorkForce Specialist represents The Rural Workforce Academy in its ambassador role.
Laura Jones
Program Specialist
ldjones@pvamu.edu