Missouri's seasonally adjusted unemployment rate has remained at 3.3 percent for the past five months. Seasonal adjustment is a statistical technique used to measure and remove influences of predictable seasonal patterns to show how employment and unemployment change monthly.

YOP helps non-profit organizations raise private-sector funds by providing partial state tax credits to businesses and individuals that make contributions to approved youth development projects.

Fidelity Bonding Demonstration Grants provide incentives for employers to hire and retain at-risk employees. Funds from this grant will be used to increase employment outcomes for formerly incarcerated individuals and educate employers on the benefits of the Federal Bonding Program. Since 2006, Missouri issued $1.5 million in fidelity bonding, serving more than 125 companies and 200 individuals.

Governor Mike Parson recently announced $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor’s State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant will be used to help Missouri build on its already robust infrastructure of apprenticeship programs and opportunities across the state.