FY 2021 STEM Talent Challenge Program | EDA HDQ OIE 2021 2007015

Opportunity Information: Apply for EDA HDQ OIE 2021 2007015

The FY 2021 STEM Talent Challenge Program is a competitive, discretionary grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce, administered through the Economic Development Administration (EDA). It is designed to help regions build stronger STEM workforce pipelines by creating and putting into practice new or expanded apprenticeship models in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The central idea is to connect talent development directly to a region's innovation economy, meaning the local mix of entrepreneurs, technology-based firms, research activity, and emerging industries that drive new products, new companies, and better-paying jobs.

At its core, the program focuses on apprenticeships as a practical, employer-connected way to prepare people for in-demand STEM roles. EDA is looking for apprenticeship approaches that are not just routine training programs, but genuinely innovative models that fit regional conditions and industry needs. The intent is to develop or expand workforce capacity that supports high-growth and high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, "industries of the future" (typically sectors built around emerging technologies), and other innovation-driven businesses. In other words, the program is aimed at regions where STEM skill shortages could limit business expansion, startup formation, technology commercialization, and broader economic competitiveness, and it funds projects that can help remove that constraint.

The opportunity is listed as Funding Opportunity Number EDA HDQ OIE 2021 2007015 under CFDA 11.023. Grants are the funding instrument, and the activity categories span employment and workforce training, regional development, and science and technology-related research and development activities. EDA anticipated making about 10 awards, with an award ceiling of $250,000 per project, indicating that the program is intended to seed and pilot strong apprenticeship models rather than finance large-scale workforce systems on its own. Projects funded under this program would be expected to translate into tangible workforce outcomes that align with innovation-led growth, such as building pathways into skilled STEM jobs, strengthening employer-education partnerships, and supporting the talent needs of technology-oriented companies and startups.

Eligibility is fairly broad and includes county governments, city or township governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status (other than institutions of higher education). The notice also mentions "Others" with additional eligibility details referenced in the full announcement, which commonly signals that certain quasi-public entities, economic development organizations, or other regionally focused intermediaries may qualify depending on the specific conditions laid out by EDA. The opportunity was created on August 12, 2021, with an original application deadline of October 12, 2021, placing it within the FY 2021 funding cycle.

Overall, this grant opportunity is geared toward regions that want to align STEM training directly with the needs of innovation-driven employers and emerging technology sectors. By funding the design and implementation of apprenticeship models that match local economic strategy, EDA is using workforce development as an economic development tool: strengthening the supply of STEM talent so that new and scaling firms can hire locally, grow faster, and contribute to sustained job creation and regional competitiveness.

• The Department of Commerce in the employment, labor and training, other (see text field entitled explanation of other category of funding activity for clarification), regional development, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2021 STEM Talent Challenge Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.023.
• This funding opportunity was created on Aug 12, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Oct 12, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $250,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 10 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: County governments, City or township governments, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Nonprofits having a 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for EDA HDQ OIE 2021 2007015

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