The Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Grant is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) as part of the Manufacturing PA initiative. The program is designed to support the state's manufacturing sector by funding short-term workforce training programs that prepare individuals for entry-level employment. It also funds awareness programs to introduce youth and individuals with barriers to employment to career opportunities in manufacturing. The grant program aligns with Pennsylvania’s broader economic development goals by assisting manufacturers in developing a skilled workforce to meet local and regional industry needs.

Eligible applicants for the grant include nonprofit entities such as technical and trade schools, school districts, post-secondary academic institutions, workforce investment boards, economic development organizations, and other nonprofit organizations. For-profit entities are not eligible to apply. The grant provides funding for the creation and expansion of workforce training programs in partnership with manufacturing companies. These programs aim to address skills gaps, improve employment prospects for underrepresented groups, and strengthen the manufacturing sector’s ability to recruit and retain qualified employees.

The grant funds may be used for awareness programs that expose youth and individuals facing employment barriers to career opportunities in manufacturing. Additionally, funding can be allocated to training programs that provide work-readiness training, internships at small-to-medium-sized manufacturing firms, curriculum development, skill certification, and necessary equipment purchases (up to $25,000). Funds cannot be used for out-of-state or foreign travel, indirect costs, property maintenance, or lobbying activities. Grant recipients must comply with Pennsylvania’s prevailing wage laws when applicable.

Applications for the grant are accepted on a rolling basis and are reviewed as long as funds remain available. Proposals must be submitted electronically through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development’s Single Application for Assistance portal. Required supplemental materials include a detailed project description, sustainability plan, financial need justification, staffing plan, and commitment/match letters from local manufacturing businesses, regional Industrial Resource Centers, and workforce development boards. Applications demonstrating financial matching (cash or in-kind) and sustainability beyond the grant period receive higher scores.

The maximum grant award is $200,000 for new awareness programs, $100,000 for expansions of previously funded programs, and $50,000 for smaller-scale awareness initiatives. Grant funds are provided on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to incur and document expenses before receiving funds. Grant agreements have a contract period of up to 24 months. Annual reports are required, and a final project closeout report must be submitted within 120 days of the contract end date.

For inquiries, applicants can contact Gwen A. Ross, Director of Workforce Development Initiatives at the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. She can be reached via email at gwross@pa.gov or by phone at 717-720-7386. Additional details and application materials can be found at dced.pa.gov.