Labor Department Awards $15 Million Grant to Shuttle Workers

Some 8,000 workers are slated to lose their jobs later this year when the space shuttle program ceases to exist. In response, the U.S. Department of Labor announced Wednesday an emergency grant totaling $15 million to help affected workers find new careers.

Reuters reports the Labor Department grant would be in addition to the potential $40 million previously requested by President Obama to help support displaced shuttle workers.

Labor Secretary Hilda Solis told the news organization “we know we have a tremendous challenge here” with regards to the out-of-work shuttle workers.

 Just two more launches at Kennedy Space Center in Florida are scheduled for the space shuttle, which began operation in 1981.