The FY25 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program, administered by the Women’s Bureau within the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to support the employment and retention of women in apprenticeable and nontraditional occupations (A/NTO). The program focuses on providing technical assistance to employers, unions, and other relevant stakeholders to increase the participation of women in these industries. Targeted activities include developing or expanding pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship, Registered Apprenticeship, and other skills training programs that prepare women for careers in nontraditional fields. Additionally, the program seeks to create supportive environments through orientations, networks, and supportive services that enhance women’s success and retention in these roles.

The program encourages projects that address industries where women are underrepresented or disproportionately concentrated in lower-wage positions. Examples include advanced manufacturing, construction, energy, healthcare, information technology, finance, and transportation. Applicants are encouraged to focus on outreach and recruitment efforts targeting historically underrepresented communities, such as women of color, women with disabilities, those living at or below the federal poverty line, and women residing in rural areas. Organizations with experience as equity intermediaries or in workforce development programs are particularly encouraged to apply.

Eligible applicants for this funding opportunity are community-based organizations (CBOs), defined as private nonprofit organizations, including faith-based organizations, that are representative of a community or a significant segment of it. To qualify, applicants must demonstrate expertise and effectiveness in workforce development and prior experience in training women for apprenticeable or nontraditional occupations. Both nonprofits with and without a 501(c)(3) status are eligible, provided they meet these criteria.

The program will provide a total of approximately $6,000,000 in funding for Fiscal Year 2025. Individual awards will range between $350,000 and $750,000. The Department of Labor anticipates issuing up to 17 awards under this opportunity. There is no cost-sharing or matching requirement for applicants. Selected projects are expected to begin on September 30, 2025, following the estimated award date.

Applications must be submitted electronically by June 10, 2025, no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time. The estimated posting date for the full Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is April 11, 2025. All application requirements, including forms and additional details, will be outlined in the FOA when it is officially released. For further clarification or support, applicants can contact WB.OGM@dol.gov.

The WANTO grant program prioritizes expanding women’s career opportunities in nontraditional fields while addressing the barriers to their participation and retention. By focusing on technical assistance, training, and support, this initiative seeks to bridge workforce gaps and promote gender equity in high-demand industries.