DoD announces funding for STEM workforce development programs

Key Takeaways

On May 18, the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) announced $50 million in funding for the Future Scholars for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Workforce Development Programs. Funding will support STEM Workforce Development programs and projects that align with the federal STEM strategy and the DoD STEM initiative, and encourage submissions that improve the capacity of education systems and communities to create impactful STEM educational experiences and prepare the STEM workforce. Counties are eligible to apply for funding.

Eligible programs and projects include:

• Internships for students at the high school through doctoral levels
• Apprenticeship and residency programs
• College or university project-based learning programs
• Formal or informal workforce development programs or projects that align with the federal STEM strategy and DoD STEM initiation.

In addition to counties, eligible applicants include non-profits, small businesses, cities, states, tribes, and public and private higher education institutions. More information on the Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Programs can be found at this link.

For additional resources on counties and workforce development, please see the following links:

• Funding Announcement for Future Scholars for STEM Workforce Development Programs (Notice of Funding Opportunity Announcement)
• Counties and the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) 101 (NACo legislative presentation)
• Support Workforce and Local Business Development: The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (NACo policy brief)