NOVA releases Integrated Service Delivery report

In 2008, NOVA and the Sunnyvale office of the State's Employment Development Department (EDD), launched a bold initiative to drastically change service delivery for job seekers and employers at the CONNECT! one-stop in Sunnyvale.

Recently, a study was undertaken to determine the effectiveness of this change. The study is available for download here:

• Full report (PDF: 1.7MB)
• Executive Summary (PDF: 0.7MB)

Click here for more information on this innovative program.

NOVA is one of six recipients of a Green Innovation Challenge (GIC) grant awarded by the State of California.

This funding will provide training in clean and green industries, including renewable energy generation, hybrid and electric vehicles, and alternative fuels.

• Click here for more information.

Microenterprise Grants available through NOVA

Are you starting or expanding a business? Could a small amount of money help you move your business to the next level? Competitive grants up to $10,000 are available for individuals who meet eligibility requirements.

The funding source for these funds requires that grant recipients be residents of Sunnyvale or locate their businesses in Sunnyvale and meet income guidelines.

Learn more about these grants and how to apply for them at the Microenterprise Grant Orientation.

Microenterprise Grant Orientation
Date: Thursday, February 10th
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 pm
Place: Sunnyvale City Council Chambers
456 W. Olive Avenue
Sunnyvale, CA 94086

RSVP to updates@novaworks.org to let us know if you plan to attend this event.

If you have questions, please contact either:

Click here for a Fact Sheet about these Microenterprise grants.

The CONNECT! Center is adding new workshops to its already extensive array of job search classes:

• Using LinkedIn (2-part series): Learn how to create, manage, and use your LinkedIn profile to search for jobs, research companies, and network with others.
• Job Search Tips for the Mature Worker: Learn to identify age-friendly employers, and neutralize age-related concerns in your résumé and interview.

For more information about these workshops, click here.

The Silicon Valley Job Watch is an RSS (really short syntax) Feed that can be placed on websites, emails, or smart phones to see what the latest postings are for a specific area — in our case, the 7 cities that NOVA services. (NOTE: Feed updates every 15 minutes.)

To view additional job announcements, please visit the "Silicon Valley Job Watch" website.

All alumni of ProMatch, the professional networking group administered by NOVA and EDD, are invited to join Our Experience Counts.

If interested, visit the group's page at www.ourexperiencecounts.com.

This group is not directly affiliated with NOVA, EDD, or ProMatch.

The organization, staff, and board members of NOVA are often quoted in the press.

Click here for a list of articles in which NOVA staff or board members are quoted or in which NOVA or the CONNECT! Job Seeker Center are referenced.

Recent articles include:

• A feature about the recurring cycle of boom and bust of jobs in Silicon Valley.
• An analysis that found the number of layoffs notices for Bay Area workers fell nearly 60% from 2009.
• A "60 Minutes" feature about long-term job seekers in Silicon Valley.
• ProMatch helps a Saratoga man with his job search.

There are a diversity of job search workshops, classes, and events happening each month. Check them out!

CONNECT! Job Seeker Center Calendar Schedule of free workshops that are available on a first-come basis. There are a full range of topics such as career exploration, job search strategies, resumes, interviewing and more.
ProMatch Calendar Professional networking and job search workshops available to ProMatch members.

NOVA Workforce Board meets bi-monthly at 12 noon. For the agenda and supporting documentation for recent meetings, click the link below:

Workforce Board packet includes the minutes from the previous meeting.

For more information about the workforce board, click here.

NOVA Youth Council meets regularly. Agenda for upcoming meetings are avaiable below:

For more information about NOVA's youth programs, click here.