Good Jobs Challenge $25M funding opportunity released

The U.S. Department of Commerce has announced a new $25 million Good Jobs Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity for investment in high-quality, locally led workforce training programs that lead to good jobs. EDA anticipates making 5-8 awards ranging from $1 to $8 million, which are expected to be announced in winter 2024. Projects that align with and advance a Tech Hub designee’s strategy are eligible to earn up to five award points, according to the NOFO (pg. 45).

Applicants must implement training for jobs that advance key technology focus areas as established by the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, which include advanced energy, biotechnology, robotics, and semiconductors, according to the Commerce Department’s press release.

Each applicant is eligible to earn up to 105 points. Criteria include project impact and feasibility (20 points), the strength of the sectoral partnership (15 points), the readiness of the sectoral partnership (15 points), regional needs and alignment (15 points), equity (15 points), the strength of employer partnerships (10 points), and regional investment and sustainability (10 points).

On alignment with Tech Hubs designees, reviewers will consider the extent to which the project aligns and advances a Tech Hubs designee’s strategy; evidence supporting that the project benefits an area in the Tech Hub designee's geographic location; and evidence that the backbone organization of the sectoral partnership is a part of the Tech Hub’s consortium.