Wyandotte County introduced a new program funded by CARES Act dollars to help those affected by the pandemic obtain jobs and gain new job skills.

In collaboration with Workforce Partnership, the Mid-America Regional Council and the Unified Government, the new WYCO WORKS program provides free job search, resume advice, job placement, interview tips and training opportunities to Wyandotte County residents who have experienced a negative impact on their employment due to COVID-19. Those also eligible to participate in the program include those who are unemployed, underemployed, veterans, people with disabilities and older adults.

WYCO WORKS can also help participants apply for financial aid and file claims for Unemployment Insurance programs.

The program is part of KC Degrees, a MARC program that helps adults in the Kansas City region earn a college degree or high-quality certificate.

According to the Mid-America Regional Council, Wyandotte County’s unemployment rate lags compared to its neighboring counties. WYCO Works is intended to strengthen the workforce in response to the coronavirus pandemic.

“The COVID-19 recession has had a significant impact on our community,” said Harold Johnson Jr., commissioner of the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas, and chair of the MARC Board of Directors. “We have great jobs and great people in our county and WYCO WORKS will help connect those ‘Dottes.’”

Residents who are interested in these free services can sign up at KCDegrees.org/WYCOWORKS. The program is available to residents who are at least 18 years old and are eligible to work in the United States, and services are available in English and Spanish.