11.023: Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Talent Challenge Program

11.023

Active

Economic Development Administration (EDA) [DOC]

May 3, 2022

May 3, 2022

EDA’s Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship is committed to furthering technology-based economic development initiatives that accelerate high-quality job growth, create more economic opportunities, and support the future of the next generation of industry-leading companies. To advance these goals, EDA awards grants through the Build to Scale Program to develop and support regional innovation initiatives that help to build regional economies through scalable, technology-driven startups as described in the EDA administered portions of Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. § 3720 3723) (Stevenson-Wydler). As these regional innovation initiatives scale across the country, America has benefited from growth in jobs requiring sophisticated science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) skills. High-skilled human capital is proving essential to the growth and expansion of these regional technological ecosystems; however, U.S. employers have struggled to fill jobs in these fields, and younger or leaner firms, like many innovative startups, are especially hard hit by this challenge. An increasing number of jobs that require STEM skills do not require a bachelor’s degree, and other education and training pathways – such as apprenticeships, fellowships, and other work-based learning models – are becoming instrumental in meeting the urgent demand for a STEM-capable workforce. To meet these demands, Section 28 of Stevenson-Wydler (15 U.S.C. § 3723), authorizes EDA to carry out a grant program to identify and develop strategies that support the growth of STEM talent development programs, and to implement those programs where plans and strategies exist.

B - Cooperative Agreements

Eligible applications for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance under this NOFO include: • a State; • an Indian tribe; • a city or other political subdivision of a State; • an entity that is— o a nonprofit organization; o an institution of higher education; o a public-private partnership; o a science or research park; o a Federal laboratory; o an economic development organization or similar entity; and that has an application supported by a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a native organization; or • a consortium of any of the above-mentioned eligible applicants. EDA is not authorized to provide assistance to individuals under this NOFO, and such requests will not be considered for funding. EDA is not authorized to provide grants or cooperative agreements under its Public Works or EAA programs to individuals or to for-profit entities. Requests from such entities will not be considered for funding. Pursuant to Section 3 of PWEDA (42 U.S.C. § 3122) and 13 C.F.R. § 300.3, eligible applicants for EDA financial assistance under the Public Works and EAA programs include a(n): (i) District Organization of an EDA-designated Economic Development District; (ii) Indian Tribe or a consortium of Indian Tribes; (iii) State, county, city, or other political subdivision of a State, including a special purpose unit of a State or local government engaged in economic or infrastructure development activities, or a consortium of political subdivisions; (iv) institution of higher education or a consortium of institutions of higher education; or (v) public or private non-profit organization or association acting in cooperation with officials of a political subdivision of a State.

Not Applicable

https://sam.gov/fal/3eebb161b97d4bc68dcd1faa1160c333/view