A program in Wichita has had great success in helping recently unemployed workers receive training towards a new career, but finds itself short of funds to continue, even as more and more jobs are cut by the aircraft industry in the area. The Workforce Alliance of South Central Kansas provides help for unemployed workers in obtaining grants to go back to school and learn new skills, while still receiving unemployment benefits. Although the federal stimulus package has more than doubled the money available for such grants, the number of applicants for grant money has ballooned to over $1000, forcing the Alliance to petition for emergency funds from the Department of Labor.
See "Grants help jobless find new skills and careers", Lori Yount, The Wichita Eagle, August 2, 2009