Natcast Announces up to $2M for Workforce Partner Alliance Program
Applications for the program are due July 26th, 2024.
Announcement Type: Notice of Funding Opportunity (this program is accepting applications)
Opportunity: Workforce Partner Alliance program
Overview and Eligible Uses: Natcast, created to operate the National Semiconductor Technology Center (NSTC) Consortium established by the CHIPS Act, launched the NSTC Workforce Partner Alliance (WFPA) program. The program creates a nationwide fund to support projects that will address a critical workforce need in the U.S. semiconductor industry to help to close key skills and labor market gaps and fuel industry and national economic growth. This initial funding program will focus on closing workforce and skills gaps in the U.S. for researchers, engineers, and technicians across semiconductor design, manufacturing, and production.
Proposals can target established programs with proven success that aim to scale, growing programs seeking expansion or realignment, or new programs addressing previously unmet needs or opportunities. Applicants will need to evaluate the maturity level of their program during the application process. Eligible workforce development strategies include supporting paid work-based learning such as apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, issuing industry-recognized credentials, and offering degrees relevant to the semiconductor industry. Additional eligible uses involve modernizing or developing curriculum with employer input, integrating on-the-job training with classroom instruction and mentorship, providing training with wraparound supports like childcare and transportation, and offering experiential learning opportunities such as co-ops, externships, internships, or capstone projects. It is important to note that construction activities are not allowed under this program.
Amount: Plans award 4-10 high-impact projects with durations of one or two years, and total budgets between $500,000 to $2 million.
Award Type: Discretionary
Eligible Applicants:
For-profit organizations that are incorporated in the United States
Accredited institutions of higher education
Training providers
State and local government agencies
Non-profit organizations
Unions
Other organizations
Note
Eligible entities must have a presence in the United States.
Individuals and unincorporated businesses are not eligible.
Foreign entities or entities associated with foreign countries of concern are not eligible.
Entities are not required to be NSTC members at the time of application. Natcast will assist each awardee in becoming an NSTC member at the time of award.
Key Dates: Full Application Deadline: 26 July 2024, at 11:59pm ET. Selection Notifications: Early Fall 2024.
Key Links:
For a full list of currently available grant programs under the Infrastructure Law and other helpful tools, take a look at our Helpful Resources page.
This tracker will continue to send updates when new funding opportunities are announced.