U.S. Department of Labor Announces Availability of $10 Million for National Out-of-School Time Organizations to Expand Workforce Pathways for Youth

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the availability of $10 million to fund national out-of-school time organizations that will expand workforce pathways for youth ages 14-21.

Through the Workforce Pathways for Youth program, the Department seeks to increase alignment between workforce and out-of-school programs, and expand job training and workforce pathways for youth, including career exploration, job readiness and certification, soft skill development, summer jobs, year-round job opportunities and apprenticeships. 

Employers in the U.S. require a skilled and educated workforce. With strong partnerships between out-of-school time organizations, local workforce entities and state and local education agencies, these programs may provide opportunities for workforce readiness, career exploration, career preparation and career training to connect young adults to the skills necessary to become college and career ready. Providing youth with exposure to career possibilities and mentors based on student interest, aptitude and labor market needs helps out-of-school time participants gain critical skills through real world work experiences that enhance their employability.

Grants under this program will be awarded to national out-of-school time non-profit 501(c)(3) organizations with local affiliate networks. Applicants must also include the following organizations as required partners on the application:

• A minimum of one organization involved in administering the workforce development system established under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), which are limited to State Workforce Development Boards, Local Workforce Development Boards and Indian and Native American entities (as outlined in Section 166 of WIOA);
• A minimum of two employer partners, or an industry/trade association that represents employers; and
• A minimum of one state or local education agency (including high schools and school districts) or an alternative education program.

While the required partners reflect collaboration between secondary education, employers and workforce development, the Department strongly encourages applicants to collaborate with other partners that can support and advance the work of the project. These include organizations functioning as workforce intermediaries; labor-management organizations; community-based organizations; and training providers and service providers. They also include organizations that support outreach and training activities, such as industry-led training organizations, industry intermediaries, unions or educational organizations; Small Business Development Centers; American Job Centers; community organizations that provide social support and/or wrap-around services; YouthBuild programs; Job Corps centers; WIOA Youth programs; foundations and philanthropic organizations; and federally funded youth-serving programs.

View this funding opportunity. Applications are due by 4 p.m. EST on Feb. 4, 2021.

The mission of the Department of Labor is to foster, promote and develop the welfare of the wage earners, job seekers and retirees of the United States; improve working conditions; advance opportunities for profitable employment; and assure work-related benefits and rights.