Gina M. Raimondo Secretary of Commerce | Official Website
The U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration (EDA) has announced that over 12,000 American workers have been trained and placed into jobs through the Good Jobs Challenge. This initiative, funded by the Biden-Harris Administration’s American Rescue Plan, is a $500 million investment in workforce training programs nationwide. The Good Jobs Challenge is the first large-scale worker training program initiated by the Department of Commerce.
The program aims to enhance workforce systems and foster industry-led partnerships, offering training for skills that are in demand by employers today. It awarded $500 million to 32 grantees to promote job training across sectors such as agriculture, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology.
"President Biden’s Investing in America Agenda is rooted in empowering Americans with the opportunities they need to secure family-sustaining jobs in the communities that raised them," stated U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "By bringing together diverse stakeholders...the Good Jobs Challenge has trained and placed more than 12,000 American workers into quality jobs."
The initiative focuses on connecting workers from historically overlooked communities with well-paying jobs that nearly double their previous earnings. Half of its participants come from communities of color, with significant representation from Black and Native American workers compared to national averages. Women make up 21% of participants in building and construction programs within the challenge.
"The Good Jobs Challenge is placing thousands of workers into quality jobs," said Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth. "In its second year...the Good Jobs Challenge is delivering strong outcomes."
In July 2024, EDA announced a second phase of funding for the program, dedicating $25 million to further workforce training initiatives critical to U.S. competitiveness. This phase will support sectoral partnerships aiming at high-quality training leading directly to employment.
