Growth Opportunities

Background
The Growth Opportunities grant program, administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, aims to prepare justice-involved youth and young adults for the world of work through placement into paid work experiences. The program focuses on youth most impacted by community violence, particularly in areas of concentrated crime and poverty as well as communities that have recently experienced significant unrest. This program contributes to the Biden-Harris Administration’s comprehensive strategy to combat gun violence and other violent crime.

Grant Details
The grant aims to help youth and young adults increase their conflict resolution skills, develop strategies to prevent and avoid violence, identify career interests, attain relevant skills, gain work experience, and provide income to start them on the path of earning living wages and obtaining high-quality jobs and careers. The program encompasses occupational education and training in in-demand industries, leadership development, mentorship, and post-work experience placement into unsubsidized employment and/or education. The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 authorizes this program under Section 169 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The funding range for grant awards is approximately $2-4 million. The period of performance is 42 months with an anticipated start date of 06/01/2022.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local and regional government entities, federally recognized Indian and Tribal governments, independent school districts, county governments, city or township governments, special district governments, regional government organizations, among others. Applicants must choose to submit their application in one of two FOA applicant categories—direct or intermediary. Mandatory partnerships with Violence Prevention or Intervention partners, Justice System partners, Employer partners, and Sub-grantees are required for both direct and intermediary applicants.

Period of Performance
The period of performance is 42 months with an anticipated start date of 06/01/2022 for Round 1 and 01/02/2023 for Round 2.

Grant Value
$85 million in grant funds is available to fund approximately 29 grants with a ceiling amount of up to $4 million per grant. Approximately 50 percent of Round 2 funds are intended for applicants that have not received a previous Reentry Employment Opportunities grant. Additionally, grantees from Rounds 1 and 2 may be eligible for a future limited competition to extend follow-up services to program participants.