🚨 Funding alert:
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions — U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
The U.S. Department of Labor has released WORC Round 7, a major workforce development funding opportunity designed to strengthen regional economies and talent pipelines across the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Delta Regional Authority (DRA), and Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) regions. The initiative supports large-scale regional partnerships that align workforce training with employer demand in high-growth and emerging industries.
Approximately $49.2 million is available, with awards ranging from $2 million to $8 million and an estimated 6–24 grants expected to be awarded. Projects must focus on industry-driven workforce solutions, career pathways, Registered Apprenticeships, and worker mobility strategies that help rural residents access quality employment opportunities.
🔧 What it supports:
Regional industry and sector partnerships that design and deliver workforce training aligned with employer needs. Eligible activities include occupational skills training, Registered Apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, work-based learning, supportive services, career pathway development, capacity-building efforts, digital and AI literacy activities, and initiatives that strengthen regional workforce ecosystems and talent pipelines.
🎯 Key focus areas include:
• Skilled trades and construction
• Health care
• Information technology
• Manufacturing
• Domestic energy production
• Business and professional services
• Industry-led workforce partnerships
• Registered Apprenticeship expansion
• Worker mobility and career advancement
• Support for dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and new workforce entrants
• Credential attainment and employment outcomes in rural communities
💡 Why it matters:
WORC 7 represents one of the federal government’s largest targeted investments in rural workforce development. The opportunity encourages employers, workforce boards, colleges, training providers, tribal organizations, and local governments to collaborate on regional workforce strategies that address labor shortages, expand apprenticeship opportunities, increase workforce participation, and create sustainable career pathways leading to higher wages and long-term economic mobility.
📌 How to apply:
Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by July 23, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. Applicants must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and active SAM registration. Required application components include the SF-424, SF-424A, budget narrative, project narrative, abstract, and required partnership documentation. Strong employer engagement is critical, with at least three employer partners required for each proposed industry sector.
👥 Who should consider this:
• Workforce development boards
• Community and technical colleges
• Universities, HBCUs, and Tribal Colleges
• Industry and employer associations
• Labor-management organizations
• Tribal governments and tribal organizations
• Nonprofit workforce and training organizations
• State, county, and local governments
• Regional economic development partnerships serving eligible ARC, DRA, or NBRC communities
Organizations serving rural communities should begin partnership development and workforce strategy planning now. The New Growth Team can help assess eligibility, align workforce priorities, and build a competitive grant writing strategy and proposal for WORC 7. Reach out to schedule a conversation about positioning your partnership for success.