The Career Skills Training Program Partnership Intermediary Agreement (PIA) is funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Section 40513, reflecting a significant federal investment in clean energy job training and workforce development. The program aims to catalyze local economic development and job creation by partnering with state, local, and tribal governments, as well as community organizations, to deploy equitable clean energy solutions. This funding opportunity is designed to support projects that provide training for high-quality jobs in the building energy efficiency sector, with a strong emphasis on engaging and recruiting participants from disadvantaged communities and those facing barriers to employment. Applicants should be aware that the program requires a detailed workplan and budget, a comprehensive partnership plan, and a training plan that outlines the occupational skills needed, the current supply of qualified workers, and the projected future demand. The program also emphasizes diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) in its evaluation criteria. Nonprofit partnerships applying for this funding must demonstrate experience in worker skills training, the ability to engage target populations, and a plan to help individuals achieve economic self-sufficiency. The Department of Energy (DOE) will host office hours to answer any questions regarding the application process.

The U. S. Department of Energy (DOE) is offering the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Clean Energy Education Prize Round 2 Inspire Track to advance clean energy programming for younger students and strengthen connections between HBCUs and their communities. This initiative aims to inspire HBCU-hosted educational programs during summer or academic breaks, engaging K–12 and community college students in clean energy topics. The prize pool totals $600,000, distributed across two phases. In Phase 1, up to 12 winning teams will receive $40,000 each to develop their educational programs. These teams will then be eligible to compete in Phase 2, where they will implement their programs and report on their impact, with the potential to win an additional $10,000 each. This funding opportunity is part of the American-Made Challenges program, which incentivizes innovation in clean energy through prizes, training, teaming, and mentoring. The goal is to enhance STEM programming at HBCUs, providing students with early exposure to clean energy technologies and careers. The competition is open exclusively to HBCUs, which must be based in the United States or U. S. territories. The program encourages multidisciplinary teams and partnerships with other universities that have successful clean energy programs. This is the second round of the Inspire Track, focusing on developing or expanding summer or academic break programs that last 1–6 weeks, with potential evening or weekend programs during the academic year.

The ExLENT program aims to address barriers to participation in STEM education and careers, such as lack of support services and financial constraints, by providing comprehensive support mechanisms. The program seeks to create viable pathways into emerging technology fields through cross-sector partnerships involving companies, government offices, non-profits, schools, and higher education institutions. These partnerships will offer experiential learning opportunities, ranging from internships to course-based activities, tailored to a diverse range of learners, including secondary school youth and adults at various career stages. Applicants can choose from three tracks: Pivots, Beginnings, and Explorations, each designed to support different participant needs and career stages. Proposals should include plans for mentorship, community building, and addressing barriers to participation. The program emphasizes the importance of data collection and evaluation to inform best practices in STEM education. With an anticipated funding amount of $30,000,000 and an estimated 25-35 awards, the ExLENT program encourages innovative approaches to attracting and retaining talent in emerging technology fields.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering Equity Workforce Planning Grants and Equity Workforce Capacity Grants to support organizations in developing or enhancing workforce programs for underrepresented populations in the clean energy sector. This funding opportunity stems from the Equity Workforce Funds, established by the March 2021 Climate Legislation and redefined by the August 2022 Climate Legislation. The goal is to provide direct funding and technical assistance to organizations aiding Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), individuals from Environmental Justice neighborhoods, members of federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes, underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and current or former fossil fuel workers. Applicants can apply for Planning Grants to develop comprehensive implementation plans or Capacity Grants to build necessary infrastructure and resources for program implementation. The program focuses on three main areas: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations, Clean Energy Career Awareness and Preparedness for Adult Learners and Job Seekers, and Development of MWBE Support Programs. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis until funds are expended, with funding ranging from $20,000 to $150,000 for projects lasting six months to two years.

The Apprenticeship and Pre-apprenticeship Clean Energy Training (PON 5437) funding opportunity is designed to support the development and expansion of clean energy training programs in New York State. This initiative aims to address the growing need for skilled labor in the clean energy sector by providing financial support to eligible training providers. The program focuses on building decarbonization, renewable energy generation, and electric vehicle charging station installation and repair. It encourages the inclusion of individuals from Disadvantaged Communities and Priority Populations, offering higher consideration to projects that exclusively train these groups. Applicants must be registered to do business in New York State and have a New York State training location. The funding can be used for various training initiatives, including curriculum development, technical training delivery, equipment purchase, and supportive services such as stipends and wraparound services for pre-apprentices and first-year apprentices. Additionally, applicants can propose K-12 career awareness and outreach programs. The program seeks to ensure that at least 50% of training participants come from Disadvantaged Communities or Priority Populations.

The funding opportunity presented is part of the American-Made Program by the U. S. Department of Energy, aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration in the clean energy sector. The primary goal of this funding is to support coalitions in addressing job quality and access issues within the clean energy employment landscape, particularly for disadvantaged and underrepresented communities. This initiative seeks to enhance workforce development, improve job quality, and ensure equitable access to clean energy jobs. Applicants should be aware that this opportunity requires a coalition of at least five organizations, each bringing relevant experience and resources to the table. The coalition must demonstrate a clear plan for addressing the identified job access and quality challenges, and show a commitment to sustainability and ongoing engagement with community stakeholders. The funding will support initial steps and planned activities to meet these goals, with a focus on building trust and strengthening relationships within the community.

The Office of State and Community Energy Programs (SCEP) is issuing a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) for the Training for Residential Energy Contractors (TREC) program, funded by the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Signed into law on August 16, 2022, by President Joseph R. Biden, the IRA represents a historic $369 billion investment aimed at addressing climate change through clean energy technologies. This FOA will allocate up to $40 million to support state energy offices in developing and implementing programs to train, test, and certify residential energy contractors, thereby preparing a qualified and diverse workforce to deliver energy efficiency and electrification upgrades. The TREC program aims to reduce the cost for contractors to acquire necessary skills, provide testing and certifications, and partner with nonprofit organizations to develop state-sponsored workforce programs. This funding opportunity is available through September 20, 2031, and is designed to complement the previously announced $150 million in TREC formula funds. Applicants can apply under two topic areas: Training Small Contractor Firms and Innovative, Effective, and Equitable Workforce Development Programs. This is a new application opportunity, and previous awards or actions are not required for eligibility.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technical Trades Work and Learning Program, offered through MassCEC, aims to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the clean energy industry. This initiative provides vocational and technical high school students, as well as those in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) evening programs, with paid training opportunities in the clean energy sector. By facilitating internships with clean energy employers, the program seeks to equip students with valuable hands-on experience and mentorship, while also meeting the workforce needs of the clean energy industry. Through this program, MassCEC aims to foster a diverse and talented pool of young professionals, support career development opportunities, and contribute to the overall growth and sustainability of the clean energy sector in Massachusetts.

The Equity Workforce Training Funds, established through the March 2021 Climate Legislation, _An Act Creating a Next Generation Roadmap for Massachusetts Climate Policy_, and redefined by the August 2022 Climate Legislation, _An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind_, aim to expand access to career opportunities in climate-critical fields. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) administers this program to support job training that addresses workforce gaps in climate-critical sectors while creating opportunities for underserved individuals most impacted by climate change. The program prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts to build a diverse and well-trained workforce essential for achieving the Commonwealth’s climate goals, including Net Zero by 2050. Applicants can apply for funding to recruit individuals from Environmental Justice (EJ) neighborhoods, federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes, underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and fossil fuel workers. The program supports the creation and expansion of technical and job readiness training, development of employer relationships, and provision of wraparound and retention support services. There are two main program strands: Strand A focuses on career pathway training leading to employment in climate-critical priority occupations, while Strand B emphasizes clean energy career awareness, exploration, and preparedness for adult learners and job seekers. Outcome metrics for the program include enrollment rates, completion rates, placement rates, and retention rates, with specific targets for each strand.