Which federal funding source supports programs for workforce development?

The Workforce Investment Act is specifically designed to support and enhance workforce development programs at the state and local levels. This legislation aims to improve coordination between education and job training services, ensuring that workers have the necessary skills and training to compete in today’s job market. The act established a framework for creating workforce investment boards to strategically plan and implement workforce development initiatives, promoting better job training programs and employment services.

In contrast, while the other options focus on specific educational areas—such as No Child Left Behind targeting K-12 education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act addressing special education needs, and the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act supporting vocational education—none are primarily aimed at workforce development in the comprehensive manner that the Workforce Investment Act is. Thus, the Workforce Investment Act stands out as the correct choice for supporting programs specifically related to workforce development.