Awards totaling $25 million and ranging from $1 million to $8 million each are being invested into locally-led workforce training programs aimed at securing high-quality jobs.
The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the launch of a new phase of funding for the Good Jobs Challenge. This round builds on the success of the initial round funded by the American Rescue Plan.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) unveiled today will back sectoral partnerships that unite diverse stakeholders, including employers, labor unions, educational institutions, training organizations, and community-based organizations.
These partnerships will focus on developing top-tier training programs that lead directly to good jobs. The EDA plans to make five to eight awards, with announcements expected in winter 2024.
“The U.S. leads the world in innovation, but we must do more to ensure American workers benefit from our advances in technology,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “With the 2024 Good Jobs Challenge, we will work with employers, labor unions, and training organizations across the U.S. to ensure that as technology impacts our workforce and world, we are training and placing workers in quality jobs in industries that will define the 21st-century economy.”
The FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge NOFO focuses on jobs that bolster industries critical to U.S. economic competitiveness and regional growth, including roles that do not require a four-year college degree. Applicants must provide training for jobs advancing key technology areas outlined by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, such as advanced energy, biotechnology, robotics, and semiconductors.
Priority will be given to applicants involving worker partnerships with labor unions or worker-serving organizations, supporting workers of all certification and degree levels, and prioritizing workers affected by technological changes.
This $25 million investment follows the inaugural Good Jobs Challenge, which received a historic $500 million from the American Rescue Plan. In August 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced 32 winners from the first Good Jobs Challenge, aiming to train and place 50,000 workers in good jobs.
These awards have spanned sectors like agriculture, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. As the Good Jobs Challenge wraps up its second year, it is tracking to achieve 10,000 job placements by year-end.
“The Good Jobs Challenge is making a difference in the lives of thousands of Americans across our country,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This program provides locally-led training and support to expand career opportunities, helping more Americans reach their full potential in industries that will make our country stronger and more prosperous.”
Read more about the Good Jobs Challenge and the FY24 funding opportunity at eda.gov.
About the Economic Development Administration
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.