The Biden-Harris administration has announced the allocation of approximately $71 million in grants aimed at improving job quality, expanding access to good jobs in critical sectors, and preparing workers for new employment opportunities. This funding is part of the administration's Investing in America agenda.
The U.S. Department of Labor's Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program, Critical Sectors Job Quality Grants Program, and Workforce Pathways for Youth program will distribute these funds to 27 organizations across 14 states and the District of Columbia.
"The funding we’re announcing today advances the Biden-Harris administration’s goal of promoting worker-focused training programs that incorporate industry and worker voices," said Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su. "The grants will help enhance access to quality jobs for care workers and people in other critical sectors, broaden high-quality job training and career opportunities for youth, and strengthen public-private partnerships that prepare workers for high-quality infrastructure jobs."
Nearly $38 million from the Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Grant Program will support 13 public-private partnerships in nine states. This funding aims to prepare workers for infrastructure jobs created by the administration. Combined with $94 million announced in September 2023, this brings the total investment to over $130 million.
The Critical Sectors Job Quality grants, totaling $13 million, will fund eight organizations in 10 states. These grants focus on improving job quality and increasing good job availability in industries such as care, climate resilience, and hospitality. Three recipients will specifically target care occupations like childcare and direct care workers.
Additionally, nearly $20 million from the Workforce Pathways for Youth demonstration grants will go to six national organizations providing workforce development programs for youth aged 14 to 21. These programs aim to serve marginalized and underserved youth, including Native American youth.
As part of the Investing in America agenda, these grants aim to build an "opportunity infrastructure" where workers can identify necessary skills, access relevant training without barriers, and connect with job opportunities early on.
