🚨 Funding alert:
Rapid Reskill Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants (Reskill DWGs) — U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced approximately $50 million in funding for Rapid Reskill Employment Recovery National Dislocated Worker Grants, with individual awards ranging from $2 million to $8 million. The initiative is designed to help dislocated workers quickly transition into high-wage, in-demand careers while addressing workforce shortages in industries critical to U.S. economic competitiveness, including manufacturing, aerospace, energy, construction, semiconductor production, and other advanced industries. Applications are due August 3, 2026.
🔧 What it supports:
Funding supports innovative workforce development models that rapidly assess workers’ existing skills, provide short-term, employer-aligned training, and connect participants to employment or paid work-based learning—ideally within six months of enrollment. Projects may include career coaching, Registered Apprenticeships, on-the-job training, supportive services, AI literacy, employer partnerships, and other strategies that accelerate reemployment.
🎯 Key focus areas include:
- Rapid reskilling and reemployment of dislocated workers
- Domestic manufacturing and advanced industry workforce development
- Semiconductor production, defense supply chains, energy, and construction
- Employer-driven training aligned with labor market demand
- Registered Apprenticeships and paid work-based learning
- AI literacy and AI-enabled workforce skills
- Innovative workforce service delivery models that can be replicated nationally
- Strong employer engagement and measurable employment outcomes
💡 Why it matters:
This opportunity reflects a significant federal investment in workforce innovation and economic competitiveness. Organizations that can demonstrate strong employer partnerships, rapid training models, and measurable employment outcomes will be well positioned to help displaced workers transition into quality careers while strengthening regional talent pipelines. The emphasis on scalable innovation also creates an opportunity to shape future workforce policy and best practices.
📌 How to apply:
Eligible applicants must submit applications through Grants.gov using Funding Opportunity Number ETA-TEGL-15-25. Applicants must have an active SAM.gov registration and Unique Entity Identifier (UEI), submit the required SF-424, SF-424A, budget narrative, partnership documentation, and project narrative, and demonstrate the capacity to manage federal performance reporting. Applications are due by 11:59 a.m. ET on August 3, 2026, with awards expected by September 30, 2026.
👥 Who should consider this:
- State workforce agencies
- Local Workforce Development Boards
- Indian and Native American program grantees
- Community and Tribal colleges
- State educational agencies
- Eligible nonprofit workforce organizations
- Regional workforce partnerships
- Organizations with strong employer relationships and experience delivering workforce training and employment services
If your organization is exploring workforce funding opportunities, The New Growth Team can help assess program fit, build a competitive grant writing strategy, and develop a strong proposal that aligns with federal workforce priorities. Reach out to start the conversation.