ND Department of Commerce - Partner Portal

Technical Skills Traning Grant

Background
The Technical Skills Training grant was first developed in 2020 in response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The program supported new and expanding accelerated skilled workforce training programs for displaced workers.  During the 67th Legislative Assembly Special Session, the Department of Commerce received $3,000,000 in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to sustain and evolve this program. The Technical Skills Training grant program aims to offset the cost for program providers and employers in their effort to support the development of highly trained skilled workers to meet the demands of our labor market.

Purpose
The Technical Skills Training grant is designed to support eligible training providers and employers in their efforts to design rapid, non-degree re-skilling and upskilling programs, expand capacity in existing programs that began after May 17, 2021, and/or move training to virtual platforms to train workers. All training programs must mitigate a workforce issue that was created or exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

This program has two tracks, each focused on developing a highly skilled workforce:

Track A reflects the initial intent of this grant program and is designed for new and expanding accelerated, non-degree training programs that prepare trainees for new jobs.
- Programs in Track A may be eligible for up to $100,000 with a dollar-for-dollar match.
- Programs in Track A are not for incumbent workers.

Track B is designed for companies wishing to provide internal upskilling opportunities for their existing staff to promote movement and advancement throughout the organization, create more comprehensive onboarding and new worker training programs, and/or provide safety training for employees.
- Programs in Track B may be eligible for up to $50,000 with a dollar-for-dollar match throughout the lifetime of the grant program.

Maximum Amount: $100,000 per program; with a 1:1 match; program recipients that have received previous Technical Skills Training Grant funds may only receive a total of $100,000 for the life of the grant program.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants include North Dakota colleges and universities, business, non-profit organizations, and/or trades organizations/associations in North Dakota.
- Note: Degree programs are not eligible for funding under this grant.
Training must take place in North Dakota.
Majority of program participants must reside and intend to work in North Dakota.
If tuition or training costs are part of the proposed application, the applicant may not pay those funds directly to the individuals receiving the education or training; the funds must be paid to the organization providing the education or training.

Applications will open April 14th, 2022 and will remain open until funds have been allocated.
The application rounds will occur in with the following dates, pending availability of funds:

Round 1 Deadline: July 7, 2022
Round 2 Deadline: September 29, 2022
Round 3 Deadline: December 15, 2022
Round 4 Deadline: March 9, 2023

Applicants must review complete grant guidance and ARPA funding guidelines prior to applying.

Grant Guidance
ARPA Funding Guidelines

Questions regarding the Technical Skills Training Grant may be sent to Evan Moser, Workforce Division at ejmoser@nd.gov.

Technical Skills Training Grant Application

General

Title of Project *

Organization Name *

Proposal Start Date *

Proposal End Date *

FEIN *

Contact First Name *

Contact Last Name *

Section

Mailing Address *

City *

State *

Zipcode *

Telephone *

Email Address *

Project Synopsis

Section

Project Synopsis *

Signature of agent authorized to sign State Form Number (SFN) 59313 "Workforce Grant Request for Funds"

Applicant First Name *

Applicant Last Name *

Applicant Title *

Applicant Signature *

I certify I have reviewed the Grant Guidelines prior to this application

Please save your work to continue. You will receive an email invitation to join the portal to continue with your application and attach required documentation.