The Biden-Harris Administration, via the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), announces a new round of funding for the Good Jobs Challenge. Building on the previous success of the initiative, this round aims to inject $25 million into high-quality, locally-led workforce training programs.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will support sectoral partnerships that include various stakeholders such as employers, labor unions, educational institutions, training organizations, community-based organizations, and more. These alliances will work towards developing high-quality training programs that secure good jobs. As per EDA’s projections, it anticipates making 5-8 awards ranging from $1 million to $8 million, and the winners are expected to be announced in winter 2024.
“Technology is rapidly advancing and through the Good Jobs Challenge 2024, we aim to ensure that American workers keep pace with it,” said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. “We will collaborate with employers, labor unions, and training organizations to train and secure quality jobs for American workers across the industries defining the 21st-century economy.”
The FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge NOFO specifically targets jobs that promote industries critical to U.S. economic competitiveness. These include, but are not limited to, jobs in advanced energy, biotechnology, robotics, and semiconductors as defined by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. It’s also worth noting that these jobs do not necessarily require a four-year college degree.
The $25 million initiative is an expansion of the inaugural Good Jobs Challenge, which was funded at a historic $500 million level through the American Rescue Plan. The initial phase trained and placed 50,000 workers in good jobs across a wide range of sectors, with the goal of achieving 10,000 job placements by the end of the year.
Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo lauded the program, saying, “The Good Jobs Challenge is creating employment opportunities for thousands of Americans. By providing locally led training and support, we are enabling Americans to reach their full potential in fields that will strengthen our country’s economy.”
