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Best Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants

Find workforce preparation job readiness grants to prepare people for in‑demand careers with training, credentials, and placement.

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$353.4M

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$25K

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APEX Grant Program: APEX Center Planning Grant

Utah State Board of Education
State/Local Government
Utah
Unspecified amount

Utah State Board of Education

The Utah State Board of Education (USBE) is a constitutionally established, elected, partisan body that exercises general control and supervision over the public education system in Utah, including establishing the state educational core standards, state educator licensing policies, and state high school graduation requirements.

APEX Grant Program

The APEX Grant Program, created by Utah's H.B. 447, establishes a grant program to help local education agencies (LEAs) create or expand catalyst centers. The purpose of the program is to support LEAs in creating and expanding these centers to align with labor market needs and state career and technical education goals and drive student engagement.

What is an APEX Center?

An APEX Center is a profession-based learning hub that bridges classroom education with real-world experience. These centers give students the opportunity to explore careers, gain hands-on skills, and work on projects shaped by industry partners. By blending academics with practical learning, APEX Centers spark curiosity, ignite opportunities, and prepare students for success in college, career, and life.

The APEX Grant Program includes: APEX Center Planning Grant and APEX Center Implementation Grant

APEX Center Planning Grant

Purpose of the Funding

The Applied Professional Education Experience (APEX) Center Grant Program provides funding to local education agencies (LEAs) to create new or expand existing APEX Centers to provide profession-based learning experiences through partnerships with local industry, businesses, and community organizations. Allowable planning activities include:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Labor market analysis
  • Creating the initial program design and rollout
  • Teacher and staff training specific to the delivery of profession-based learning
Education - K through 12 Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education +1 more

American Job Center DC Alliance for Healthcare Careers Credential Training & Placement Grant

District of Columbia Department of Employment Services
State/Local Government
District of Columbia
Up to US $400,000

Department of Employment Services

The Department of Employment Services (DOES) mission is to connect District residents, job seekers, and employers to opportunities and resources that empower fair, safe, effective working communities.

American Job Center DC Alliance for Healthcare Careers Credential Training & Placement Grant

The District of Columbia Department of Employment Services (DOES) established the DC Alliance for Healthcare Careers to recruit, train, and support District residents in securing high-demand careers within the healthcare sector. The Alliance serves as a workforce pipeline initiative designed to connect residents to quality training, industry-recognized credentials, and direct employment opportunities in critical healthcare occupations.

Through the Alliance, participants gain access to comprehensive career services, occupational skills training, and nationally recognized certifications that prepare them for immediate entry into high-demand healthcare roles. DOES seeks to expand strategic partnerships with healthcare employers, training providers, and community stakeholders to broaden program reach, strengthen outcomes, and increase long-term impact.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Health & Medicine

Building the Future Workforce Challenge Grant

Caterpillar
Corporate
Brazil, India +2 more
US $1,000,000

Building the Future Workforce Challenge

Awarding $5 million and the opportunity to test bold, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen the advanced manufacturing and industry technician workforce—today and for the future.

About the Challenge

Caterpillar knows preparing the workforce for the future is urgent. Communities, employers, and industry need new ways to close advancing skill gaps. The Building the Future Workforce Challenge invites fresh perspectives from all sectors to rethink training. Up to five teams will be awarded $1 million each for sustainable, tech‑forward solutions that strengthen today’s—and tomorrow’s—advanced manufacturing and industry technician talent pipelines.

What types of solutions are you looking for?

The Building the Future Workforce Challenge aims to identify, test, and scale innovative, sustainable solutions that will address today’s and tomorrow’s advanced manufacturing and industry technician skill gaps. A core requirement of any solution is that it remains relevant amid evolving technology—ensuring that breakthrough innovation and human potential rise together.

Strong proposals for Building the Future Workforce Challenge will meet four criteria outlined in the scoring rubric, and proposed solutions must focus on one or more of the following solution categories for Building the Future Workforce Challenge:

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education Manufacturing Engineering +2 more

Rural Communities Opportunity Grant

Utah Governor's Office of Economic Opportunity
State/Local Government
Beaver County, Utah, Box Elder County, Utah +26 more
Up to US $600,000

About GOED

Vision

Be the place of unmatched opportunity and livability.

Mission

We advance Utah’s long-term economic success so people and businesses can thrive – through innovation, capital, and quality of life.

Rural Communities Opportunity Grant

The RCOG empowers rural communities to take responsibility for economic development planning, projects, and activities, and to manage their unique opportunities. The grant addresses the economic development needs of rural communities, which include:

  • Business recruitment, development, and expansion
  • Workforce training and development
  • Infrastructure, industrial building development, and capital facilities improvements for business development
Rural Development Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Business Development +1 more

Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I - Adult Program Services

Montana Department of Labor and Industry – Workforce Services Division
State/Local Government
Montana
Unspecified amount

This grant assists eligible adults seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce, improve occupational skills, or advance in their careers.

Job Creation Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +1 more

EOE CTE Capital Annex Pilot Program Grant

Commonwealth of Massachusetts
State/Local Government
Massachusetts
US $1,000,000 - US $3,500,000

The Career and Technical Education (“CTE”) Capital Annex Grant Pilot Program grant awards resources for career and vocational technical annex facilities on comprehensive high school campuses to provide CTE (chapter 74) programs, including support of capital improvements, space, and other initiatives necessary to build capacity and safely accommodate additional career technical education opportunities.

Vocational & Trade Education Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness

Real Skills for Youth Program: North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce

State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
State/Local Government
Kent County, Rhode Island, Providence County, Rhode Island +1 more
Unspecified amount

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: North Kingstown Chamber of Commerce

What To Expect

Career Exploration: The WindWinRI Program is an 80-hour career exploration experience designed for Rhode Island high school students to engage in hands-on, career-aligned learning in renewable energy and engineering. Through applied, project-based learning, industry-validated competitions, dual enrollment opportunities, and paid work-based learning experiences. Offered at interested high schools, students build technical and professional skills while designing, testing, and presenting energy systems. The program prepares students for both postsecondary and direct to career success and exposes them to high-demand career pathways in the clean energy and blue economy sectors.

Career Pathways to Choose From

  • Welding
  • Construction
  • General Operations
  • Finance
  • Environmental Sciences
  • Supply Chain Management
  • Engineering

Communities Served: Warwick, West Warwick, Pawtucket, Exeter-West Greenwich, Coventry, Providence, Central Falls 

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Career / College Preparation Youth Development & Leadership +1 more

Virginia Adult Education Competitive Grant: Adult Education Regional Programs

Virginia Department of Education
State/Local Government
Virginia
Unspecified amount

Virginia Department of Education

The Virginia Department of Education is the administrative agency for the commonwealth’s public schools. VDOE works in partnership with Virginia’s 132 school divisions to support and improve teaching and learning, set high expectations for all students, and promote student safety, wellbeing, and health.

Virginia Adult Education Competitive Grant Program

Purpose of WIOA Title II

In accordance with the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA), Title II of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) of 2014, the purpose of this funding opportunity is to assist eligible providers in developing, implementing, and improving adult education and literacy programs to provide concurrent services that focus on the following:

  • Assist adults to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency;
  • Assist adults who are parents or family members to obtain the education and skills that are necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children, and lead to sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family;
  • Assist adults in attaining a secondary school diploma and in the transition to postsecondary education and training, including through career pathways; and
  • Assist immigrants and other individuals who are English language learners in improving their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehension skills in English; mathematics skills; and acquiring an understanding of the American system of government, individual freedom, and the responsibilities of citizenship.

This grant funding includes opportunities 1.0 – Adult Education Regional Programs, 2.0 – Integrated English Literacy and Civics Education (IELCE), and 3.0 – Corrections Education and Other Institutionalized Individuals (C&I).

Adult Education Activities (Adult Education Regional Programs)

Eligible providers will be required to provide adult education services based on identified needs in the region. Programs must also prepare adult learners for and support them in achieving successful transitions to postsecondary education, training, or employment.

Eligible providers are required to offer all the activities below, per the WIOA Combined State Plan and the State Priorities:

  • Adult education
  • Literacy
  • English language acquisition activities
  • Workforce preparation activities
  • Integrated education and training (IET)

Eligible providers may also offer the following activities, with justification of need:

  • Integrated English literacy and civics education
  • Workplace adult education and literacy activities
  • Family literacy activities
Adult Education Literacy Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +1 more

Individual Development Account (IDA) Program

Indiana Housing and Community Development Authority (IHCDA)
State/Local Government
Indiana
Up to US $4,500

Our Mission: To advance opportunity, affordability, and stability in housing

Individual Development Account (IDA) Program

The Individual Development Account (IDA) Program is an asset development program that assists low-moderate income individuals and families in breaking trends of generational poverty, improving their quality of life, and attaining self-sufficiency through matched savings incentive, education, and building personal financial skills. IDA was established in 1997 through Indiana State legislation (I.C. 4-4-28) and is currently fully State-funded. IDA is administered locally by non-profit community-based organizations with oversight by IHCDA.

Program Summary

Individual Development Accounts are matched savings accounts designed to encourage lowincome families to save for the purchase of an asset. Participants in the program are required to successfully complete financial education as well as training related to a specific asset purchase.

The program round comprises four program years. The round should be broken down as follows: three years for a participant to save, and one year for the IDA Administrator to work on some combination of the following: enrollment, asset purchase, account close-out and reporting.

The objective of the IDA Program is to assist people with limited means in achieving financial independence and becoming financially self-sufficient by providing them the skills to:

  • Develop a budget and set goals
  • Establish regular saving habits
  • Invest in assets
Poverty Alleviation & Services Financial Literacy Homeownership +2 more

Education & Advanced Manufacturing/Logistics, Apprenticeship Grant Opportunity

Indiana Department of Workforce Development
State/Local Government
Indiana
Up to US $400,000

Indiana DWD – Who We Are

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) strengthens Indiana by understanding workforce needs, aligning resources, and providing access to services that empower Hoosiers to thrive in an ever-changing economy. By helping to ensure economic security and better employment outcomes for all Indiana residents, the state government agency prides itself on acting with integrity, accountability, and respectfulness while continuously striving to support employers, as well as guide and upskill job seekers.

Education & Advanced Manufacturing/Logistics Apprenticeship Grant Opportunity (Round 1)

The purpose of this RFA is to solicit applications from qualified non-profit organizations to facilitate the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship in both number of available programs and individual participants in the occupations of Education as well as Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics. The outcome of this expansion will focus on the number of programs created, number of participants assisted, as well as the development of communities of practice through award recipients. 

Funds not distributed in the first round will be available in subsequent rounds of grant opportunities.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education Apprenticeship & Internship Programs +2 more

DOH60764 Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness SFY26-27 Trauma-Informed Approaches in Health and Public Health- Summer Funding Opportunity

Ohio Department of Health and Human Services
State/Local Government
Ohio
Up to US $5,000

Ohio Department of Health

The Ohio Department of Health’s mission is advancing the health and well-being of all Ohioans by transforming the state’s public health system through unique partnerships and funding streams; addressing the community conditions and inequities that lead to disparities in health outcomes; and implementing data-driven, evidence-based solutions.

Trauma-Informed Approaches in Health and Public Health- Summer Funding Opportunity

The Ohio Department of Health Bureau of Health Improvement and Wellness is investing in trauma-informed approaches for health and public health agencies across Ohio. Funding will support qualified contractors to provide coaching, training, facilitation, and organizational planning to help agencies implement trauma-informed practices. This initiative is intended to improve staff wellness and retention, strengthen resiliency-informed organizational culture, and enhance support for patients and clients impacted by trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs).

Epidemiology & Public Health Wellness & Healthy Living Caregiver Support / Respite Care +3 more

DSP Workforce Expansion in Excellence Grant

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
State/Local Government
Ohio
US $50,000

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

DSP Workforce Expansion in Excellence Grant

(F) providing training or technical assistance for professionals (including individuals providing education and rehabilitation services), employers, or other individuals who provide services to, employ, or are otherwise substantially involved in the major life functions of, an individual with developmental disabilities.

Independence: People with I/DD will have tools and skills needed to lead self-determined lives.

By expanding pipelines into the DSP field and transportation options annually, people with I/IDD will have valuable support to live the life they want.

  • Create new, and expand existing, pipelines into the field of I/DD.
  • Development of methods to increase the number and training of DSPs.
  • Determine methods to increase the retention of DSPs
Disability Care & Services Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities Life Skills Training & Rehabilitation +1 more

Untapped Potential Grant

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
State/Local Government
Ohio
US $50,000

Notice of Funds Available (RFP): Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

Untapped Potential

People with I/DD and their family members will have access to services and resources so they can participate fully in their communities.

Annually, key stakeholders will receive information on the benefits and resources to hire people with disabilities. This will allow employment and self-employment outcomes to improve for people with disabilities.

In Ohio, state policymakers are committed to ensuring individuals with developmental disabilities have greater opportunities for employment and advancement of their careers. Individuals with developmental disabilities can use their strengths and talents to increase their income, have a sense of accomplishment and create their own social identity. Employer engagement is essential to furthering this progress.

Hiring people with disabilities is good for business. However, many employers are not aware of this untapped resource or how to effectively recruit, retain and advance people with disabilities.

Business associations in Ohio promote the growth and prosperity of a specific community, region, sector or function of business, by supporting businesses, attracting new investment, and creating jobs. They offer various services like networking opportunities, advocacy, and resources to help businesses grow and thrive within the community. They act as a voice for the region or community and work to improve the local economy. These can include Chambers of Commerce, economic development organizations, safety councils, manufacturing associations, Ohio Means Jobs Centers etc.

Business associations could be a valuable resource in reaching employers who are not aware of this untapped resource. The Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council (ODDC) will fund a project to reach business associations across Ohio to inform them of the benefits of hiring people with disabilities.

ODDC will support activities that build capacity and systemic change through outreach, training, research, technical assistance, supporting and educating communities, interagency collaboration and coordination, demonstration of new approaches, informing policymakers and eliminating barriers, and system design and redesign.

ODDC will provide funding as outlined below for each year of the project. Proposals should address each year of the project. Proposals should address, if necessary: transportation, accessibility, use of technology, replication, sustainability, if the project reaches entire state or a specific region, cross-disability, and cultural diversity.

Disability Care & Services Intellectual / Developmental Disabilities Job Creation +3 more

BlackRock Future Builders Grant

Blackrock Foundation Inc
Private
Puerto Rico, United States +1 more
US $500,000 - US $1,000,000

About BlackRock

We’re a global asset manager and technology provider dedicated to helping more and more people experience financial well-being. We help millions of people invest to build savings that serve them throughout their lives. The BlackRock Foundation which funds and partners with organizations that strengthen financial security for more people,

BlackRock Future Builders

BlackRock Future Builders is a $100 million philanthropic initiative funded by The BlackRock Foundation to expand economic opportunity and power the next generation of America’s skilled trades workers. Through this Request for Proposals (RFP) process, The Foundation seeks to support U.S. nonprofit organizations (i.e., registered 501(c)3 organizations) delivering or supporting high‑quality skilled trades training.

This competitive grant opportunity operates in parallel to other BlackRock Future Builders partnerships and is intended to surface additional, regionally grounded solutions across the skilled trades ecosystem. Organizations may propose direct worker training programs or capacity‑building efforts that enable systems to function more effectively and at greater scale. This first round RFP will be administered by Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit that transforms U.S. education and workforce systems.

Focus Areas and Solutions

Applicants may propose worker training or capacity‑building solutions aligned to skilled trades workforce development.

  • Worker training interventions may include direct service proposals such as pre-apprenticeship or career navigation programs, workforce training programs, apprenticeship programs, or wraparound participant supports that are supportive of training persistence and completion.
  • Capacity-building interventions are organizational and system-focused, rather than in direct service of participants, and may include, but are not limited to, proposals such as ecosystem-building, demonstration projects, technology or tool adoptions, or research, among others.
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Apprenticeship & Internship Programs Vocational & Trade Education +2 more

Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts
State/Local Government
Pennsylvania
Unspecified amount

Pennsylvania Council on the Arts

Agency Mission

Empowering, connecting, and amplifying creatives and creative industries and their contributions to Pennsylvania’s communities, economy, and workforce.

Agency Vision

Pennsylvania becomes the national leader among states for creative communities, talent, and industries.

Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program

The Pennsylvania Creative Asset Program supports small- to mid-sized creative organizations that deliver services, products, and/or programs that align with one or more of Pennsylvania Creative Industries’ strategic plan focus areas:

  • Asset Development (e.g., creative organizations, entrepreneurial ecosystem, technical assistance, regional networking)
  • Workforce Development (e.g., creative skills, career awareness, and employment pathways)
  • Community Development (e.g., creative placemaking, engagement with local governments, and networking for practitioners)
  • Visibility (e.g., promotion of creative industries, products and services, and of the contributions and opportunities within our commonwealth’s creative sector)
  • Policy (e.g., creation of policies that promote and foster relevancy and opportunity for creative industries, within governmental and non-governmental agencies and businesses)
Entrepreneurship Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Community Development & Revitalization +1 more

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Professional Development Travel Grants

Minnesota Department of Education
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Up to US $17,500

Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Professional Development Travel Grants – Federal Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to library staff working in Minnesota libraries for the purpose of providing opportunities to attend regional or national library conferences or continuing education opportunities which fulfill identified professional development needs for the participant and their library. It is hoped that these travel grants will allow staff to gain essential professional development skills and networking opportunities to help increase impact and develop staff through connection to bring back best practices for their libraries and their patrons.

Applicants from a regional library system may apply to fund up to five staff members’ attendance at regional or national library conferences or continuing education opportunities. Any paid staff working full-time or part-time in a Minnesota public library, academic library, school library, special library or tribal library is eligible. This includes librarians, library assistants, library specialists, library leaders, managers or supervisors, library technicians or specialists, public relations managers, or any other paid library staff working in a library.

Funding

$50,000 is available to fund 14-25 staff in attending professional development under the Grants to States program, funded by the Library Services and Technology Act, LS-260829-OLS-26.

The maximum grant award may not exceed $3,500 per person, or $17,500 in total per applicant/regional library system

Library & Information Science Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Library Services

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Competitive Grant

Minnesota Department of Education
State/Local Government
Minnesota
More than US $250,000

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) Competitive Grant – State Fiscal Year 2026

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to public school districts and charter schools for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH schools, established as a public-private partnership, that will prepare students for high skills jobs of the future in identified growth industries.

The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) model integrates high school, college, and industry through partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and employers. With a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, it combines rigorous academics, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships. Students receive individualized support to accelerate progress toward both a high school diploma and an associate’s degree.

The model’s intended outcomes include preparing students with industry-recognized credentials and authentic workplace learning opportunities. While employment is not guaranteed, graduates are prioritized for opportunities with partner employers. P-TECH also broadens access to high-quality STEM education and lowers academic and financial barriers by aligning secondary and postsecondary pathways.

Technology Access & Digital Literacy STEM / STEAM Education Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness +3 more

AWIB State Training and Employment Program (STEP) Grant

Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB)
State/Local Government
Alaska
US $25,000 - US $400,000

State Training and Employment Program

The State Training and Employment Program (STEP) is administered by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD), Alaska Workforce Investment Board (AWIB) and funded by a set aside from the Unemployment Insurance Trust Fund. The purpose of STEP is to enhance the quality and accessibility of in-state training and employment services for Alaska residents to help meet the workforce needs of employers in the state. In addition, the program seeks to increase resident employment in industries where a high number of nonresidents are working, reduce future unemployment claims, and foster economic growth in all regions by meeting employer demand for a skilled workforce.

STEP provides several types of training opportunities, including industry-specific training; on-the-job training, apprentice training in a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program; institutional or classroom job-linked training; and support services necessary to enable a participant to attend training and/or obtain or retain a job.

Benefits of the program

STEP targets participants who may be employed or employable, have worked in a job covered by unemployment insurance in any state, and who need training to improve their prospects for obtaining or retaining employment. The goal of STEP is to help self-motivate individuals with realistic goals to gain essential skills for employment success. The benefit to STEP participants as they move forward in their careers aided by STEP training is increased earning potential. Employers who invest in a skilled workforce gain a competitive edge in business and benefit from costs incurred in supporting unemployment insurance for those not working.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education Employment Services +2 more

Fatherhood Request for Proposal (RFP)

The State of Alabama Department of Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
State/Local Government
Alabama
Unspecified amount

Fatherhood Request for Proposal (RFP)

This application packet contains guidelines for submitting an application to ADCANP for a performance-based contract to provide opportunities to families with custodial fathers and mothers. Activities (training, workshops, conferences, counseling, etc.) should encourage and facilitate active parenting by non-custodial fathers/mothers. The goals are to increase the parents’ involvement in their children’s lives, provide employment training and skills, and increase child support payments/collection. Federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funds for this competitive selection process are provided to ADCANP through a partnership with the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).

The target population for Fatherhood Programs should include (but are not limited to) non-custodial and custodial mothers and fathers who:

  • Are unemployed or underemployed (income less than 200% of the federal poverty level)
  • Lack a high school diploma or GED
  • Lack the skills to obtain gainful employment
  • Males or females over the age of 18 with children
  • Reside in the state of Alabama

The TANF funds available for these initiatives will address the following goals:

  • To gain employment skills and certifications that will allow participants to secure employment
  • that can provide for the family and promote self-sufficiency
  • To find and retain suitable employment
  • To improve awareness of participants’ roles in the lives of their child(ren)
  • To establish high-quality, emotionally supportive relationships with their children
  • To pay child support and provide other financial support for their child(ren)
  • To support Re-Entry services for formerly incarcerated parents
Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Adult Education Reentry Services +3 more

Community College MTA for Expansion and Renovation Grant

Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO)
State/Local Government
Will County, Illinois
US $20,000,000

Community College Grant for Development and Creation of an MTA

A. Program Description

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (the "Department" or "DCEO") is issuing this Notice of Funding Opportunity ("NOFO") to support the design and construction of a 22,225 square foot facility, within the campus existing footprint, for the creation of a Manufacturing Training Academy (MTA) to provide workforce training programs.

The goal of this program is to support the design and construction of a 22,225 square foot, higher education facility for the creation of a Manufacturing Training Academy, within the campus' existing footprint. This grant will support a community college, located in Will County, Illinois, using capital funds to design and construct an MTA. The MTA will provide a flexible, district-wide training hub to support multiple employers, significantly expanding capacity in high-demand fields, including advanced manufacturing, welding, HVAC, electrical systems, and industrial maintenance, areas where employer demand continues to outpace available talent.

This Manufacturing Training Academy will represent a transformational investment in workforce development, economic growth, and educational access for Will County and the State of Illinois. Through community partnership, the MTA will deliver scalable, industry-driven training that meets immediate employer needs while building long-term career pathways for students.

In addition to grant funds, the awarded grantee must commit to project investment to ensure programmatic quality and long-term sustainability. The awarded grantee will be required to commit to hiring full-time faculty members to support increased enrollment and expand program offerings, curriculum development and implementation based on the needs associated with regional workforce institutions, and investing in the necessary specialized equipment for the MTA to be successful. Examples of the specialized equipment may include welding booths, CNC machining, robotics, and automation.

Education - Higher Education Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Vocational & Trade Education +3 more

Campesino de California Outreach Grant – Radio Media Program

California Employment Development Department
State/Local Government
California
Up to US $100,000

Our Mission and Vision

Who We Are

The Employment Development Department (EDD) supports California’s workers, job seekers, employers, and communities through benefit programs, workforce services, and payroll tax administration. We are committed to delivering accessible, responsive, and innovative services that strengthen economic opportunity across California.

Our Mission

We support California’s economic vitality by delivering accessible, reliable, and customer centered services that help employers, workers, and job seekers succeed.

Workforce Development Solicitations for Proposals

Find current solicitations for proposals (SFP), past grant award lists, and project summaries, related to California workforce development organized by the Program Year (PY) they were funded or are expected to be funded.

Campesino De California Outreach Grant – Radio Media SFP – PY 26-27

Workforce Services Information Notice WSIN25-34

The Employment Development Department (EDD) announces the availability of up to $100,000 of Wagner-Peyser 10 Percent Governor’s Discretionary funds for the Campesino de California Outreach Grant – Radio Media (CCOG-RM) for Program Year (PY) 2026-27.

The CCOG-RM PY 26-27 funding opportunity will be awarded to develop and implement radio talk shows targeting domestic and foreign Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers (MSFWs) and their families, providing timely information on various programs, benefits, and services offered through the EDD and its partners. The awarded organization will create and broadcast 24 semi-monthly, 30-minute hosted radio talk show programs in Spanish to connect with MSFWs and provide timely information regarding various programs, benefits, and services.

Radio Immigrant Services Farms & Farming +1 more

ESC Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Mentorship Grant

Texas Education Agency
State/Local Government
Texas
US $3,092,328

Texas Education Agency

The Texas Education Agency is the state agency that oversees primary and secondary public education. It is headed by the commissioner of education. The Texas Education Agency improves outcomes for all public school students in the state by providing leadership, guidance, and support to school systems.

ESC Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) Mentorship Grant

Program Description

The purpose of this grant is to provide for ESC-to-ESC mentorship with regards to ESCs’ efforts to implement Texas Instructional Leadership (TIL) training in their regions for the benefit of campuses and districts participating in school improvement activities. Participating ESC will provide year-long guidance, training, and coaching to other ESCs to support building, developing, and deploying their TIL teams.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Education

Angel Post Deployment Test Program

United Negro College Fund Inc
Private
United States
US $5,000 - US $10,000

Angel Post Deployment Test Program

Through a collaborative partnership with UNCF, XYZ Corporation has established a scholarship program to help STEM students get on the fast track to a rewarding career. In addition to direct financial support, Intel-sponsored scholarships offer the benefits of exposure to potential job opportunities, networking with fellow scholars, insight to other Intel scholarships, research, training opportunities, and access to Intel mentors offering support on technical, non-technical, cultural, and dissertation-related needs.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Career / College Preparation

P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School)

Minnesota Department of Education
State/Local Government
Minnesota
Unspecified amount

The Minnesota Department of Education makes this funding available to Minnesota public schools districts, charter schools, tribally controlled schools, and service cooperatives for the purpose of providing start-up and ongoing support of P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) schools, established as a public- private partnership, that will prepare students for high skills jobs of the future in identified growth industries.The P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) model integrates high school, college, and industry through partnerships among school districts, community colleges, and employers. With a focus on Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) fields, it combines rigorous academics, workplace learning, mentoring, and internships. 

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness STEM / STEAM Education

Real Skills for Youth Program: New England First (Rhode Island Region)

State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
State/Local Government
Rhode Island
Unspecified amount

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: New England First (Rhode Island Region)

What To Expect

  • Learn robotics and coding through hands-on, team-based projects
  • Build STEM skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and critical thinking
  • Connect with industry professionals and explore future STEM careers
  • Compete and collaborate as part of a robotics team in a supportive, high-energy environment

Career Pathways to Choose From

  • Robotics
  • Engineering
  • STEM related fields

Communities Served: Statewide

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Career / College Preparation Youth Development & Leadership +1 more

Real Skills for Youth Program: Inspiring Minds

State of Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training
State/Local Government
Providence County, Rhode Island
Unspecified amount

The Governor's Workforce Board

The Governor's Workforce Board (GWB) is the primary policy-making body on workforce development matters for the State of Rhode Island and has statutory responsibility and authority to plan, coordinate, fund, and evaluate education, employment, and training programs that increase the skills of the RI workers and address the workforce needs of RI businesses. The Board is housed at the Rhode Island Department of Labor and Training.

Real Skills for Youth

The goal of Real Skills for Youth is to prepare youth for success in college and/or career through meaningful career exposure and exploration of potential career paths and their on-ramps, skill-building with an emphasis on essential and professional skills and supported work-based learning experiences that allow participants to apply learning in a real-world setting. 

Real Skills for Youth programs often provide youth with initial exposure to the world of work, whether through a paid work experience, hands-on exposure to new careers, and practicing essential skills.

In FY26, the GWB allocated $2.8 million to the program to support partnerships consisting of schools, youth-serving organizations, employers, and others to develop and implement high-quality work-based learning and career exploration activities. This program is part of Rhode Island’s larger effort called Prepare RI.

Real Skills for Youth Partners and Programs: Inspiring Minds

What To Expect

  • Earn paid, hands-on experience in real school and education settings during the school year and summer
  • Build job skills and confidence through work readiness training and classroom support roles
  • Learn from mentor educators and receive individualized guidance and coaching
  • Explore careers in education and youth development through real-world experience

Career Pathways to Choose From

  • Education and Youth Development
  • Early Childhood
  • Elementary Teacher Assistants
  • (Substitute) Teachers 

You will have the opportunity to receive RIELDS training and get CPR & First Aid Certified!

Communities Served: Providence

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Career / College Preparation Youth Development & Leadership +1 more

Supporting Career Shifters

Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)
State/Local Government
Texas
Unspecified amount

Supporting Career Shifters

The Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) has authorized the use of one million dollars ($1,000,000) in Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds to develop career exploration initiatives serving participants who want to shift careers to a Targeted or High Demand Occupation.

Eligible Applicants under this Application are the Texas Local Workforce Development Boards. Applicants, that are not a Texas Local Workforce Development Board will be disqualified and will not be evaluated.

Workforce Preparation & Job Readiness Career / College Preparation

Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants Highlights

Workforce Preparation Job Readiness grants help prepare people for in‑demand careers with training, credentials, and placement.

Discover 382 workforce preparation job readiness grant opportunities with $252.9M available. Instrumentl connects nonprofits to top funders, offering tools for deadline tracking, tailored searches, and grant management.

Last updated: October 5, 2026. Next update: November 1, 2026.

Grant Insights : Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants

Grant Availability

How common are grants in this category?

Common — grants in this category appear regularly across funding sources.

400+ Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants grants for nonprofits in the United States, from private foundations to corporations seeking to fund grants for nonprofits.

200+ Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants over $25K in average grant size

200+ Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants over $50K in average grant size

73 Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants supporting general operating expenses

300+ Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants supporting programs / projects

600+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Poverty Alleviation & Services

3,000+ Grants on Instrumentl focused on Education

Grant Deadline Distribution

Over the past year, when are grant deadlines typically due for Workforce Preparation Job Readiness grants?

Most grants are due in the first quarter.

Q1
27.7%
Q2
23.9%
Q3
25.3%
Q4
23.1%

Typical Funding Amounts

What's the typical grant amount funded for Workforce Preparation Job Readiness Grants?

Grants are most commonly $79,250.

$250 $250 Min.
$79,250 $79.3 K Median
$1,023,755 $1 M Average
$109,431,084 $109.4 M Max.