U.S. Department of Labor Announces Award of Grants to Help Women Affected by the Opioid Crisis Re-enter Workforce

News Release, September 29, 2019

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $1.5 million in WANTO grant funding to organizations in Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin to help recruit, train, and retain more women in quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.

Learn more about RESTORE and 2019 grantees
See news release
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Breaking down barriers for women in workforce

Op-ed by Erica C. Wright, Acting Director of Women's Bureau. Published in Lancaster Online on September 2, 2019.

On Labor Day, we celebrated what the American dream is truly about — dignity of work and the liberty to pursue happiness. We also celebrated the contributions that America’s workforce has made toward the growth and prosperity of our nation.

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USDOL Awards Nearly $1.5 Million to Increase Apprenticeship Participation, Expand Job Opportunities for American Women

August 28, 2019

The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $1.5 million in WANTO grant funding to organizations in Illinois, Virginia, and Wisconsin to help recruit, train, and retain more women in quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs.

Learn more about WANTO and 2019 grantees
See news release
Read FAQs


U.S. Department of Labor Announces $2.5 Million to Support Women Affected by Opioid Crisis

News Release, July 24, 2019

On July 24, the Women’s Bureau announced a new grant program to help women affected by the opioid crisis re-enter the workforce. The Re-Employment, Support, and Training for the Opioid Related Epidemic (RESTORE) grant will award $2.5 million to organizations that assist in providing coordinated, employment-focused services to women.

See news release
Apply here by August 23, 2019
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DOL's Women's Bureau: 99 Years of Creating Opportunity

by Erica Wright on June 5, 2019

Today marks the 99th anniversary of the creation of the U.S. Department of Labor’s Women’s Bureau. Established just two months before the ratification of the 19th Amendment, the Women’s Bureau is the only federal agency tasked with focusing exclusively on working women by safeguarding their interests, advocating for their equality and economic security, and promoting quality work environments. This year's celebration comes during a time of unprecedented opportunity for all American workers, and especially women.

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Women’s History Month: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Envisioning the Future

by Dr. Patricia Greene on March 1, 2019

During Women’s History Month we honor the female trailblazers of the past, celebrate the achievements of women today, and envision a future of opportunities that knows no bounds.

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Ninety-Eight Years Later: Empowerment in the 21st Century Workforce

by Dr. Patricia Greene on June 5, 2018

President Trump’s Administration is working to help all Americans access good, family-sustaining jobs. At the Women’s Bureau, we are focused on empowering women to thrive in all aspects of America’s dynamic economy.

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Celebrating and Supporting America’s Hardworking Mothers

by Dr. Patricia Greene on May 11, 2018

Celebrating mothers across the United States who are shaping our current and future workforce.

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Honoring Oleta Crain, an American Hero

by Marzy Bedford-Billinghurst on February 8, 2018

Oleta Lawanda Crain (1913-2007) joined the Women’s Army Auxillary Corp (WAAC) in 1942.

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From Apprenticeship to Mentorship

by Eric R. Lucero on December 20, 2017

Charmaine Davis, the Women’s Bureau regional administrator in Atlanta, knows young women need role models like Beatrice to show them the way.

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Apprenticeship Helps Montana Woman Keep the Lights On

by Leo Kay on November 21, 2017

Only 3 percent – or 23,000 – of the estimated 774,000 electricians working in the country are women. Sierra Smith is one of them, thanks to hard work, determination, and an assist from Montana’s apprenticeship program.

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By the Numbers: Hispanic Women in the Workforce

by Tracie Sanchez on October 13, 2017

In recognition of Hispanic women’s significant contributions to the labor force, here are six statistics demonstrating their growing influence as drivers of economic productivity and entrepreneurs.

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5 Facts About Working Women and Retirement

by Tiffany Boiman, Mark Connor on September 18, 2017

Ensuring women’s economic security through retirement can, and should, start early − and we have resources to help.

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Celebrating 97 Years of Advocacy for Working Women

by Tracie Sanchez on June 5, 2017

First created during World War I to study women’s employment during and after the war, the Women’s Bureau became a permanent federal government fixture in 1920.

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By the Numbers: Happy Mother’s Day!

by Liana Christin Landivar on May 12, 2017

Seventy percent of mothers with kids under the age of 18 are in the labor force.

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A History of Achievements

by Michelle Vaca on May 30, 2017

There are many examples of AAPI women that have made remarkable contributions to the science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, fields.

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Trailblazing Women in STEM

by Joan Harrigan-Farrelly on March 21, 2017

During National Women’s History Month, with the 2017 theme of “Honoring Trailblazing Women in Labor and Business,” we recognize trailblazing work being done to bring more women into these fields.

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Crossing the Finish Line

by Joan Harrigan-Farrelly on February 24, 2017

At the Women’s Bureau, we work to ensure that “the finish line” is within reach of all workers regardless of gender. This story offers several lessons that continue to have relevance for today’s working women.

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