U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration Launches New Phase of Funding for Good Jobs Challenge

The Biden-Harris Administration, through the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), has announced the launch of a new phase of funding for the Good Jobs Challenge. This initiative, funded by the American Rescue Plan, will invest $25 million into locally-led workforce training programs that aim to create good jobs for American workers.

The funding opportunity, known as the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), will support sectoral partnerships that bring together a wide range of stakeholders including employers, labor unions, educational institutions, and community-based organizations to develop high-quality training programs that lead to good job opportunities. The Department of Commerce anticipates making 5-8 awards ranging from $1 million to $8 million, with the announcement of recipients expected in winter 2024.

U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of ensuring American workers benefit from innovation and technological advancements. The Good Jobs Challenge is designed to train and place workers in quality jobs across industries vital to the 21st-century economy, focusing on key technology areas such as advanced energy, biotechnology, robotics, and semiconductors.

The FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge NOFO targets jobs that advance U.S. economic competitiveness and the competitiveness of regional economies, with a focus on jobs that do not require a traditional four-year college degree. Priority will be given to applicants that include worker voice through partnerships with labor unions, support workers of all certification and degree levels, and prioritize workers impacted by technological changes.

The $25 million investment builds on the success of the inaugural Good Jobs Challenge, which aimed to train and place 50,000 workers in good jobs. As the program concludes its second year, it is on track to hit 10,000 job placements, demonstrating its impact on American workers.

Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development, Alejandra Y. Castillo, highlighted the positive impact of the Good Jobs Challenge in expanding career opportunities for Americans and strengthening the country’s industries.

To learn more about the Good Jobs Challenge and the FY24 funding opportunity, visit eda.gov.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) plays a key role in promoting competitiveness and preparing regions for growth in the global economy. The agency invests in communities, supports regional collaboration, and aims to create jobs for U.S. workers while promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth.