Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) Grant Program

Background
The Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant program aims to strengthen and modernize the Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) system, centered on equity and promoting Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce development solution. The program builds on the Department’s previous and ongoing efforts to expand and modernize Registered Apprenticeship through expanding the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that utilize Registered Apprenticeship, and increasing access to and completion of RAPs for underrepresented populations and underserved communities.

Grant Details
The ABA grant program supports a coordinated, national investment strategy that aims to strengthen and modernize the RAP system centered on equity. Applicants have the opportunity to apply for funding across four grant categories: (1) State Apprenticeship System Building and Modernization; (2) Expansion of RAP Opportunities for Youth; (3) Ensuring Equitable RAP Pathways Through Pre-Apprenticeship Leading to RAP Enrollment and Equity Partnerships; and (4) Registered Apprenticeship Hubs. The program will fund projects that comprise activities such as launching or expanding RAPs, increasing RAP opportunities for youth, engaging employers, promoting outreach activities, building partnerships, leveraging resources, data-informed decision making, policy and system alignment.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants vary by grant category. The ABA grants will incorporate cross-cutting principles into their projects to ensure access to quality RAPs for all Americans. These principles include equity, job quality, support for high-quality, sustainable programs, evidence-based approaches, and new opportunities for innovation, engagement, and ease of access.

Grant Value
$113,000,000 in grant funds authorized by the National Apprenticeship Act for the ABA grant program. Awards will range from $1 million up to $8 million.