The Workforce Pathways for Youth (WPY) program, funded by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA), is designed to expand workforce readiness for underserved youth ages 14-21 through partnerships with national out-of-school time (OST) organizations. This funding opportunity (FOA-ETA-24-07) provides up to $40 million across two rounds, with each round funding up to seven grants of $3.3 million each. Round 4 applications are due by July 15, 2024, and Round 5 applications are accepted between October 1 and December 3, 2024, contingent upon available funds. Each project funded under this grant will support three years of programming.

The purpose of the WPY grants is to align workforce development with schools and OST programs to create pathways to good jobs, as defined by the Good Jobs Principles, which prioritize stable and equitable employment opportunities. Programs must focus on career exploration, workforce readiness, work-based learning experiences, and related supportive services, such as career counseling and work placements. Additionally, projects are encouraged to address youth mental health needs by providing resources and partnerships that support mental health and reduce stigma, particularly given the high demand for mental health services across the U.S.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit national OST organizations with 501(c)(3) status, serving at least three states and historically marginalized youth. This includes but is not limited to Black, Latino, Indigenous, LGBTQ+, disabled, foster, homeless, and justice-impacted youth. Projects must also serve at least two non-contiguous geographic areas, with each location meeting specific service requirements, and include partnerships with workforce development boards, employers or industry groups, and state or local education agencies. Optional partners may include colleges, mental health organizations, and community groups supporting underserved youth.

Applications must include a project narrative, budget forms (SF-424 and SF-424A), and attachments such as a logic model, partnership agreements, and an organizational chart. The project narrative should address needs assessment, target population demographics, expected outcomes, partnership structure, scalability, sustainability plans, and budget justification. The budget narrative must detail line-item costs and include any leveraged resources, though matching funds are not required.

Each application is evaluated on several criteria, including project design and logic model, OST partnership structure, recruitment strategy for underserved youth, provision of supportive services, and capacity to manage funds and report progress. Additionally, bonus points are available for programs specifically supporting Native American youth or creating career pathways in mental health.

Applicants must submit proposals via Grants.gov, adhering to the specified format and ensuring the proposal’s consistency across all sections. Only one application per organization is permitted, and priority will be given to projects aligning with the WPY’s focus on equity and mental health.