The Geothermal Heat Pumps PATHs Prize is a $3 million prize competition established by the U.S. Department of Energy's Geothermal Technologies Office (GTO). This initiative seeks to catalyze the development of regional partnerships that will rapidly build and sustain a workforce for geothermal heat pump (GHP) technologies. The program emphasizes outreach and collaboration across training providers, employers, municipalities, and other stakeholders to develop effective and scalable hiring and certification strategies. The challenge is structured into three phases—Connect, Engage, and Execute—to incrementally support teams from concept to implementation in creating GHP workforce development pipelines.

The purpose of the GHP PATHs Prize is to address critical workforce gaps in the geothermal sector by encouraging innovative partnerships that support hiring, certifying, and training the current and next generation of GHP workers. Through the competition, the DOE aims to build regional "train-to-hire" pipelines that link individuals seeking jobs and training with employers and organizations that offer GHP opportunities and services. The program specifically focuses on scaling workforce development through regional models that integrate worker recruitment, training programs, and employer engagement.

In terms of funding scope, the competition provides direct cash awards through its three phases. In Phase 1 (Connect), up to 20 teams receive $40,000 each for submitting a narrative that outlines their vision for GHP workforce development in their region. In Phase 2 (Engage), up to 8 winning teams each receive $150,000 for presenting formalized partnerships and realistic implementation plans. In the final Phase 3 (Execute), selected teams implement their workforce development strategies and report outcomes, with awards ranging from $100,000 to $400,000 based on performance and results.

Eligibility for the GHP PATHs Prize includes individuals and teams legally residing or based in the United States. Competitors can be entrepreneurs, students, researchers, faculty, employers, or any group committed to workforce innovation in the geothermal industry. Although the competition is open-ended, full eligibility details are outlined in the official rules. Submissions are evaluated based on vision, feasibility, regional relevance, strength of partnerships, and measurable impact.

Submissions must follow the timeline of the phased competition. The application process began on October 14, 2024, with Phase 1 submissions due by February 12, 2025. Judging and announcement dates follow each submission period, with anticipated announcements for Phase 1 winners on March 11, 2025, Phase 2 winners on July 17, 2025, and final Phase 3 results on December 11, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to join the American-Made Network, which offers access to national labs, industry mentors, and resources to support participants throughout the prize process.

Applicants must submit narratives, training plans, hiring strategies, and final results depending on their phase in the competition. A recorded informational webinar was also provided to help competitors understand requirements. Finalists in each round are chosen based on their ability to demonstrate tangible outcomes, such as the number of workers trained and hired and the sustainability of their regional partnership model.