EDA announces funding opportunity for STEM Talent Challenge

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) recently announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the STEM Talent Challenge. EDA is seeking applications from eligible applicants, including counties to create and implement innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) apprenticeship models that complement their respective region’s innovation economy. The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future and other innovation-driven businesses that would accelerate economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the U.S.

Eligible applicants for the STEM Talent Challenge include:

• State, county, city or other political subdivision of a State;
• an Indian tribe;
• a non-profit organization;
• an institution of higher education;
• a public-private partnership;
• a science or research park;
• a Federal laboratory;
• an economic development organization that has an application supported by a State or political subdivision of a State; or
• a consortium of any of the eligible applicants listed above.

A total of $2 million has been appropriated for the program. An informational webinar will be pre-recorded and posted to EDA’s STEM Talent Challenge webpage on September 9, 2020. Applications are due by October 14, 2020. For more information about this grant or to apply, please click here. To view EDA’s one-page summary, please click here.

EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. EDA grants are critical for county economic development, particularly in rural areas, where such resources are often scarce. NACo policy supports EDA, a vital resource for local economic development.

For additional NACo resources, please see the following links:

• NACo Blog: EDA announces availability of CARES Act funding
• NACo Policy Brief: U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA): Support Essential Seed Capital/Gap Financing for Local Job Creation
• NACo Blog: NACo testifies on the role of EDA in economic development and recovery