The Pennsylvania Workforce Development Board and the Pennsylvania Department of Education are offering $30 million in grant funding as part of the PAsmart program to support K-12 computer science and STEM education, expand registered apprenticeships, and support job training with industry partnership programs.

For: Local Education Agencies (school districts, career and technology centers, charter schools, intermediate units)
Funding Cap: $40,000 per grant
Application Deadline: December 14, 2018

These grants are focused on School Districts who are not currently offering and/or have little offerings in computer science K-12. The goal is to build the capacity of these community to provide in school and out of school computer science learning experiences to students. Review the FAQ and apply here.

For: Local Education Agencies, Post-secondary Institutions, Public Libraries, Community-based Organizations, Local Workforce Development Boards, Businesses and Chambers of Commerce, Labor Organizations, Trade Associations, Non-profits, Economic Development Organizations
Funding Cap: $500,000 per grant
Application Deadline: December 28, 2018

These grants are focused on a ecosystem / networked approach to spread innovation, expand models to give more learners opportunities in STEM and Computer Science. Review the FAQ and apply here.

For: Community-based Organizations, Businesses, Industry Associations, Local Education Agencies, Post-secondary Institutions, Economic Development Organizations, Labor Organizations, Local Workforce Development Boards, Public Libraries, STEM Ecosystems
Average Award: $300,000 per region, with a goal of establishing 5 regional networks
Application Deadline: December 21, 2018

These grants are focused on developing a Registered Apprenticeship Ambassador Network across Pennsylvania. Build regional intermediaries that can serve as a support systems to help connect partners during the construction of a Registered Apprenticeship. Read the FAQ, download the application budget form, and apply here.

For: Community-based Organizations, Businesses, Industry Associations, Local Education Agencies, Post-secondary Institutions, Economic Development Organizations, Labor Organizations, Local Workforce Development Boards, Public Libraries, STEM Ecosystems
Average Award Range: $10,000 – 150,000, total of $2.5 million available
Application Deadline: December 21, 2018

These grants are focused on establishing a flexible workforce strategy to allow students to earn while they learn. Registered apprenticeships must have five key elements: business involvement, structured on-the-job training, classroom instruction, progressive wage increases, and receipt of an occupational credential. Read the FAQ, download the application budget form, and apply here.

For: Community-based Organizations, Businesses, Industry Associations, Local Education Agencies, Post-secondary Institutions, Economic Development Organizations, Labor Organizations, Local Workforce Development Boards, Public Libraries, STEM Ecosystems
Average Award Range: $10,000 – 150,000, total of $3 million available
Application Deadline: December 21, 2018

These grants are focused on developing career pathway opportunities for learners as an on ramp to a registered apprenticeship. A pre-apprenticeship program must be connected to a registered apprenticeship program. Read the FAQ, download the application budget form, and apply here.

For: Local Education Agencies, Businesses and Chambers of Commerce, Labor Organizations, Postsecondary Institutions, Community-based Organizations, Public Libraries, Trade Associations, Economic Development Entities
Anticipated Award Size: $2,000 – 50,000, total of $2.5 million available
Application Deadline: December 21, 2018

These grants are focused on creating connections between the classroom and the workforce by building partnerships between K-12 teachers, counselors, administrators and industry and business leaders. Funded programs will provide experiences for educators to interact directly with industry and business, learning about industry trends, and needs, and opportunities that they can bring back to their classroom to enhance instruction, student learning, and career readiness. Read the RFP and apply here.