The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry has announced the second round of grants aimed at increasing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the building and construction trades. This initiative, known as DEI Round 2, is designed to support registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs that serve historically underserved populations. The program seeks to clarify eligibility criteria and provide funding to enhance existing programs or develop new initiatives that focus on recruiting and retaining individuals from diverse backgrounds.

The primary purpose of the DEI Round 2 grants is to expand registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. The program specifically targets individuals from underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, veterans, socio-economically disadvantaged individuals, and those who speak English as a second language. The goal is to create a diverse talent pipeline by supporting these individuals in achieving full employment within the industry.

Approximately $2 million in funding is available for this grant opportunity, with individual awards ranging from $200,000 to $250,000. Projects that serve a single registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program can receive up to $200,000, while multi-employer group-sponsored programs can receive up to $230,000. Multi-county serving programs are eligible for the maximum award of $250,000. Importantly, no matching funds are required for applicants.

Eligible applicants include previous awardees from the initial DEI grant round, as well as other organizations with registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs in the building and construction trades. Applicants must demonstrate the ability to collaborate with business, education, and workforce partners to achieve project goals. They should also have the capacity to manage project design, budget implementation, performance outcome reporting, and fiscal administration.

Submission requirements include a detailed project proposal that outlines the objectives, strategies, and expected outcomes of the initiative. Applicants will need to answer specific questions related to their project’s alignment with the goals of the DEI Round 2 program. Evaluation criteria will focus on the applicant's ability to effectively recruit and retain participants from underserved populations, as well as the overall impact of the proposed project on diversity and inclusion within the industry.

The application deadline for the DEI Round 2 grants is September 27, 2024. Interested parties are encouraged to review the grant details and prepare their submissions in advance of this date. For further information, applicants can visit the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry's website or contact the department directly at the provided phone number.