Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC): A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian and Delta Regions – Round 3
- Currently Closed
Open Date:
Close Date:
Upcoming Milestones:
Eligible Recipients:
- Educational Institution
- Local Government
- Native/Tribal Entity
- Non-profit
- State Government
Program Purpose:
- Economic Development
Reserved for Energy
Communities?
Funded by:
Overview
This program is provided through the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration – Office of Workforce Investment and is estimated to total $29,175,000.
The purpose of the WORC program is to demonstrate the alignment of regionally driven, comprehensive approaches to addressing economic distress and the necessary workforce development activities to ensure dislocated and other workers in the regions are capable of succeeding in current and future job opportunities. Successful long-term economic growth strategies build upon bottom-up, community-led plans that promote economic resilience and maximize regional strengths. The WORC Initiative grants take a long-term view toward assisting eligible communities, including those energy communities that currently or historically have had a high concentration of employment in energy extraction and related industries, in diversifying their economies by investing in developing a skilled workforce through training and other approaches that aligns with local strategies developed by regional partners. This long-term view also acknowledges the impact of the opioid crisis and the significant challenges it presents to a community’s workforce. To address these challenges, ETA encourages applicants to include within their applications strategies to address the employment and training needs of individuals affected by substance use disorder in their communities.
Eligible recipients include:
- State Government
- County Government
- City or Township Government
- State or Local Workforce Development Board
- Special District Government
- Regional Organization
- Independent School District
- Public/State Controlled Institution of Higher Education
- Indian/Native American Tribal Government (federally recognized)
- Indian/Native American Tribal Government (other than federally recognized)
- Indian/Native American Tribally Designated Organization
- Public/Indian Housing
- Nonprofit Organization with IRS 501(c)(3) Status
- Nonprofit Organization without IRS 501(c)(3) Status
- Private Institution of Higher Education
- Hispanic-serving Institution
- Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs)
- Tribally Controlled Colleges and Universities (TCCUs)
Related Resources
Recording of White House webinar providing details on clean energy and power programs within the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Guidebook.
Overview of the Appalachian Sky Initiative, whose main goal is to attract aerospace and aviation industry to Central Appalachia to diversify the workforce and create economic opportunities.
Report that examines the role of communities in the coal power plant decommissioning process and provides community-identified best practices to ensure an equitable process.
Resources for apprenticeship including case studies, success stories, guides, fact sheets, and research and data.
Program that offers tailored resources and innovative programs that invest federal dollars alongside private sector capital into distressed communities.
Funding Details
Funding Source:
- Ongoing Appropriation
Funding Type:
Total Amount Available:
Limit per Applicant:
Estimated Awards:
Applicant Guidance
Contact Information
Diane Easterling, Grants Specialist