$10.4 million in ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grants!

(Courtesy of ApprenticeshipUSA)

Today the Department announced the award of $10.4 million in ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grants to help expand and diversify registered apprenticeship programs nationwide!

These grants are part of ApprenticeshipUSA, the department’s coordinated effort with industry and education leaders, nonprofits, and local governments to highlight the benefits of apprenticeship and expand the use of this time-tested, earn-while-you-learn model.  Awards were made to 51 states and territories, and District of Columbia.

These accelerator grants will help States develop a strategic plan and build partnerships for apprenticeship expansion and diversification with State education, workforce and economic development systems.  States will also receive support to develop strategic plans for encouraging businesses to launch Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, construction, and transportation.

These investments are part of a historic bipartisan Congressional effort to appropriate funds specifically for apprenticeship for the first time, and align with President Obama’s bold challenge to double and diversify the number of apprenticeships by 2019.

Each Accelerator grant of $200,000 will allow states to develop a strategic plan and build partnerships for apprenticeship expansion and diversification with state education, workforce and economic development systems.

In addition, in the coming weeks, the department will announce the availability of an additional $50 million in State Expansion Grants for those looking to expand their capacity to collaborate with employers and start new apprenticeship programs across diverse industries and communities.

Both of these ApprenticeshipUSA State Grants are designed to help states plan and implement strategic state strategies to expand Registered Apprenticeship across the country.  Grantees will utilize the grants to help state governments integrate apprenticeship into their education and workforce systems; engage industry and other partners at scale to expand apprenticeship to new sectors and new populations; support state capacity to conduct outreach and work with employers to start new programs; provide support to promote greater inclusion and diversity in apprenticeship, and implement state innovations, incentives and system reforms. By investing in state strategies for growing Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, these funds will help strengthen the foundation for the rapid and sustained expansion of quality apprenticeship nationwide.

For more information on this funding announcement please see the links below.

 Press Release: https://www.doleta.gov/oa/pdf/state_grants_press_release.pdf

ApprenticeshipUSA: www.dol.gov/apprenticeship

ApprenticeshipUSA Funding Opportunities: https://www.doleta.gov/oa/grants.cfm