by Meghan Jacobsen, Grants Development Associate – State and Local Government
The recent increase in jobs in the U.S., coupled with the increased need for skilled workers across sectors like technology, healthcare, construction, and various trades, underscores the critical role of workforce development programs. These programs are vital in equipping the next generation of workers to meet these emerging employment opportunities.
Workforce training benefits not only society but it is especially advantageous for much of the population, including youth, marginalized communities, people experiencing homelessness, individuals transitioning from prison, and veterans. In 2021, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was passed and is expected to create millions of jobs and bolster workforce training efforts. However, beyond this, many additional funding sources exist to support workforce development. For organizations engaged in workforce development seeking financial support, the following is a beginner’s guide to federal grants that could potentially fund your initiatives.
The Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant is a program by the U.S. Department of Labor designed to foster public-private partnerships. This program focuses on industries and occupations that are eligible for H-1B visas and aims to train workers in the fields of advanced manufacturing, information technology, and professional, scientific, and technical services occupations that support renewable energy, transportation, and broadband infrastructure sectors.
Created as an alternative education option for at-risk youth, YouthBuild Grant is a U.S. Department of Labor initiative that provides job training and educational services for young adults aged 16-24 who have not completed high school. It focuses on vocational skills in construction and other in-demand industries, while also helping participants earn their high school diploma or equivalency.
The Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP) is a unique federal grant program aimed at supporting homeless veterans’ return to the workforce. This program is intended to provide job training and job placement services to veterans experiencing homelessness. The goal of this program is also to provide an array of services that will increase success and collaboration among non-profits, government, and the private sector.
The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grant program is designed to help women gain entry and advance in fields where they have been traditionally underrepresented. These fields include, but are not limited to, trades, construction, manufacturing, and transportation. This program not only assists women entering male-dominated fields, but it also assists employers, unions, and workers in creating an environment in which these women can be supported and successful.
To improve outcomes for incarcerated individuals reentering society, the Second Chance Act: Improving Education and Employment Outcomes is a program that supports the enhancement of education and employment opportunities for individuals reentering society after incarceration. It focuses on two primary areas: improving correctional education and employment services and connections. This includes programs that will improve economic mobility, reduce unemployment, and create meaningful opportunities for people transitioning from prisons back to their communities.
There are many options in the workforce development funding landscape. The grants highlighted in this article represent just a fraction of the numerous funding opportunities available. These programs not only address the immediate need for skilled labor but also ensure inclusive growth by providing opportunities to those often left behind.