Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (Round 6)

Background
The Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (Round 6) is an initiative by the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration aimed at funding community colleges to enhance their capacity for implementing and scaling access to short-term training opportunities through Workforce Pell Grants.

The program focuses on promoting industry-driven strategies, worker mobility, and integration with state workforce systems for statewide impact. This round builds on previous funding rounds and emphasizes collaboration among community colleges and industry partners to develop high-quality training programs that meet employer needs.

Grant Details
The SCC6 grants will support community colleges in developing and expanding high-quality, short-term programs eligible for Workforce Pell Grants. Key tasks include:
1) Building statewide capacity for data sharing and integration activities;
2) Engaging with industry partners to create or enhance training programs that are portable and stackable along career pathways;
3) Ensuring programs meet the hiring requirements of employers in in-demand industries;
4) Developing partnerships with a majority of community colleges in the state;
5) Tracking performance outcomes such as student enrollment, completion rates, job placement rates, and credential attainment;
6) Submitting all programs seeking Workforce Pell eligibility to state workforce agencies for inclusion on State Eligible Training Provider Lists (ETPL).

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, specifically community colleges applying as lead institutions of a consortium that includes a majority of community colleges in the state. All institutions must be accredited by a recognized accrediting agency. The program prioritizes applications from statewide community college systems or consortia. Additionally, applicants must provide letters of support from state officials to demonstrate commitment to data integration efforts.

Period of Performance
The anticipated period of performance is 48 months, starting from September 1, 2026. Grantees are expected to begin implementation activities immediately after award notification.

Grant Value
The total available funding for this grant opportunity is approximately $65,000,000, with individual awards ranging from $6,500,000 to $10,800,000. The Department reserves the right to apply additional funds from FY 2026 appropriations if sufficient qualifying applications are received.

Place of Performance
The grant activities will be performed across various geographic locations where eligible community colleges are situated within the states applying for the grants.