US Labor Dept Opens $65M Fund for College Training
The U.S. Department of Labor has opened a $65 million funding round for community colleges. The grants are intended to support workforce development and digital skill-building programs.
- This funding is part of the "Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants" program, which is now in its sixth round. - Over the five previous rounds, the Department of Labor has already invested $265 million, supporting 207 colleges across 35 states. - A primary goal of this round is to help colleges prepare training programs for eligibility under the newly authorized Workforce Pell Grants, which will extend federal financial aid to students in short-term credential pathways. - The Department of Labor expects to grant approximately 10 awards, with individual grant amounts ranging from $6.5 million to $10.8 million. - Previous grants have funded training in high-demand sectors including advanced manufacturing, IT, healthcare, cybersecurity, construction, and clean energy. - Applicants for this round are being encouraged to prioritize the development of integrated, state-level data systems to better align training with industry needs and track student outcomes. - The program requires that credentials be "stackable," allowing students to build on their qualifications over time, and "portable," ensuring they are recognized by employers. - Applications for this sixth round of funding are due by May 20, 2026.
