Goodwill Industries announced Monday a five-year, $1.5 million grant to help those with disabilities find competitive employment. The money comes from the Department of Education.

The program will feature two tracks. One will help high school graduates with severe disabilities to transfer into the workplace. The second will place adult job seekers referred to the program from vocational rehabilitation agencies.

"It provides them with a hand up to get maybe a foot in the door,” says Goodwill’s Linda Kizzier. “A key part of this project is our relationship with businesses."

Part of that relationship stems from the Business Advisory Council, that way Goodwill provides the training businesses need. The Business Advisory Council is looking for more members. Contact Goodwill Industries at 341-4609.