A Closer Look at U.S. Department of Labor Programs
March 26, 2012
In addition to programs that stations often take advantage of at the U.S. Department of Education, there are opportunities for stations to receive funding from programs funded by other federal agencies. One such avenue is the U.S. Department of Labor. In comparison to other agencies, the Department of Labor has fewer programs that are open to nonprofit organizations or their partners. There are two currently open competitions for which public media stations are eligible and a good fit, either directly or in partnership.
The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants Program serves workers whose jobs have been eliminated as a result of foreign trade. The program funds projects to help workers obtain education and career training in a short period -- under two years -- to increase the number of workers with degrees or certificates.
Across several programs, one interest of the Department of Labor is to improve online educational services for programs, as the workers served often have responsibilities that would prevent them from participating in traditional on-campus education. The Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training Grants Program is looking for innovative and effective methods for curriculum development and delivery that improve outcomes and retention rates for these workers.
Institutes of higher education are eligible to apply for this program, but the application strongly suggests forming a coalition with other partners. $500 million is available for this program, and applications are due May 24, 2012.
Public media stations can apply directly for Youthbuild grants and can also partner with other nonprofit organizations to develop programs for disadvantaged youth that help them obtain the education and job training needed to be career-ready. The objectives are demanding and require grantees to provide opportunities for meaningful work, to foster skills development among youth and to expand permanent affordable housing through work with youth.
Although these requirements are demanding, the YouthBuild program overlaps significantly with the goals of the American Graduate initiative, and stations working on American Graduate may already have the relationships with other entities to kickstart this work and craft a competitive application. Grants from this program will range from $700,000 to $1.1 million, and are due on May 8, 2012.
