The Department of Labor (DOL) has launched the fifth round of the Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (SCC5) program, announcing approximately $65 million in grant funds available for application by September 24, 2024.
This initiative is designed to enhance community colleges' ability to meet employers' skill development needs and support students in securing quality jobs in high-demand industries. Priority will be given to proposals aligning with the Administration’s Investing in America Agenda, particularly in infrastructure sectors. Importantly, at least one grant will be awarded to a Tribally Controlled College if eligible applications are received.
The SCC5 grants continue the program's focus on sector-based career pathways, which have shown positive employment outcomes. Notably, previous lead applicants and consortium members from SCC4 are ineligible to reapply in the same capacity for SCC5, although grantees from Rounds 1-3 may apply if they propose a different industry sector.
To date, the DOL has issued four rounds of SCC grants, involving 170 colleges across 31 states. These grants have supported sectors like advanced manufacturing, healthcare, IT, and infrastructure, addressing critical workforce needs. For instance, in SCC4, $65 million was awarded to 16 lead colleges and 25 consortia members working in various industries, with an additional $10 million allocated for a subset of grantees participating in an impact evaluation.
The SCC grants have consistently aimed to reduce barriers to education for marginalized populations, as seen in SCC3, which awarded $50 million to 15 colleges. These grants help connect underrepresented groups with career and technical education programs leading to quality jobs.
For further details and updates on SCC5, including the funding opportunity announcement and FAQs, visit DOL’s grants webpage.
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