US Department of Labor announces availability of $65M in grants to help community colleges increase access to in-demand, high-quality training

News Release

US Department of Labor announces availability of $65M in grants to help community colleges increase access to in-demand, high-quality training

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $65 million in funding to support programs that help community colleges develop high-quality, short-term training programs that meet employers' and workers' skill development needs.

Administered by the department's Employment and Training Administration, this sixth round of Strengthening Community College Training Grantsfunding is focused on programs that seek eligibility for the newly authorized Workforce Pell Grants. It willfund projects nationwide, with individual awards up to approximately $11 million. The department is emphasizing funding for applicants that are working toward developing an integrated, learner-centered and industry aligned state-level data system.

This funding opportunity complements the department's recent guidanceon the integration of the workforce and education systems, the U.S. Department of Education's priorities that seek to scale talent marketplaces, and America's Talent Strategy.

"The Department of Labor continues to deliver on President Trump's mission to upskill and reskill our workforce to revitalize American Industry," said U.S. Secretary of Labor, Lori Chavez-DeRemer. "I'm excited to offer community colleges the opportunity to engage with the public workforce system and increase the availability of programs seeking eligibility for Workforce Pell Grants."

The announcement also directs funding for statewide community college systems, or consortia of community colleges, to foster workforce and education systems and data activities necessary to demonstrate effective outcomes required by Workforce Pell. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act authorized Workforce Pell Grants to provide access to federal financial aid for students enrolled in high-quality, short-term workforce programs.

This round of funding will continue to support capacity-building efforts that strengthen the connection between community colleges and employers and will help industry sectors pursuing Workforce Pell Grants eligibility. The programs must be portable and stackable along a career pathway while also meeting the hiring requirements of employers in in-demand industries.

Learn about and apply for Strengthening Community College Grants.