Provider Information on CAAs

As of October 1, 2008, this project is no longer taking new applications. 

The Atlanta Regional Commission and the Atlanta Regional Workforce board is now operating a special national demonstration project of Career Advancement Accounts.  Career Advancement Accounts (CAAs) are self-managed personal training accounts up to $4,500.  This project works similar to an Individual Training Account (ITA) funded through Workforce Investment Act (WIA), but also has some very significant differences.  It is anticipated that approximately 175 individuals will receive training services through this project.

CAA and ITA Similarities

• Training is available for up to $4,500. Training costs in excess of $4,500 must be paid by the customer.
• Customers must meet eligibility criteria as either a dislocated worker or low-income adult and be determined eligible through one of the ARWB Career Resource Centers.
• Customers may select programs off of the Eligible Provider List (EPL).
• Customers must be approved in advance by the ARWB Career Resource Centers and have a voucher issued in advance of the start of training.

CAA and ITA Differences

• Career Advancement Accounts is a pilot project exploring customer self-managed training programs. Customers will generally not receive career advisement and/or assessment services through our Career Resource Centers. Screening will generally not go beyond determining if the customer meets general WIA program eligibility (adult or dislocated worker). Basic skills assessments, general interest and review of customer education and work histories with skilled Career Advisors will generally not occur.
• Expenses for training must be incurred and billed to ARC no later than June 30, 2009. Customers may attend training after June 30, 2009, but all approved training related expenses have to be billed prior to the end of the grant.
• Customers will not be eligible to receive a traditional WIA ITA or support services (child care assistance), or TAA in combination with a Career Advancement Account.
• Billing and invoicing for CAA customers will be stream-lined.  Vendors will have an abbreviated agreement and billing will occur after the customer has enrolled and attended training for 5 days for each separate billable training module. Participant-signed attendance records must accompany invoice payments noting the customer has been in attendance for 5 days or more days.
• Although performance will not be monitored by the ARC and the ARWB, performance outcomes will be measured by the federal government after the completion of the project.
• Customers may select programs not on the EPL or currently not approved by ARWB for WIA customers.  This also includes “on-line” only programs. Where applicable, programs must meet NPEC certification and/or other governing organizational entities.

We anticipate that sample contracts/vendor agreements specific to this project will be available shortly. Vouchers will note “Career Advancement Account” as a funding source on them.  As we begin to have schools selected by our customers, agreements will be initiated for those organizations.  If you have financial related questions, contact Haydn Brathwaite at 404-463-3330. If you have school or project related questions, contact Marc Hannon-White at 404-463-3343.

More information can also be found in the Commonly Asked Questions about CAAs.