A wind turbine at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) outside of Boulder, Colo. The NREL is the chief research and development center in the U.S. for renewable energy.   (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

By Lindsay Beyerstein

Secretary of Labor Hilda Solis yesterday announced $5.8 million in green capacity building grants through the economic stimulus program—just a fraction of the $500 million set aside for green jobs creation under the stimulus.

The green capacity building grants will fund "training opportunities to help individuals acquire jobs in expanding green industries," according to a Department of Labor statement. Training programs will target American Indians, women, at-risk youth and farm workers.

The money will go to expand 62 programs that are already receiving DOL training grants. Recipients include Women in Non Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) a nonprofit economic development agency in Los Angeles  serving women and youth; the Southern Appalachian Labor School of Montgomery, West Va.; and the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council of Browning, Mont.

Solis also announced $48.8 million in stimulus grants to state workforce agencies to develop green job banks. These job banks are supposed to help workers hook up with green jobs after they complete their training.

The labor department expects to receive funding for three more green jobs initiatives over the next several months.

Posted by Lindsay Beyerstein  ·  + share/save