Technology Grant Program

The State of Oregon, acting by and through its Higher Education Coordinating Commission (“HECC”), is seeking applications awards grants to eligible entities that administer workforce programs in the technology sector. Donor Name: Higher Education Coordinating Commission (HECC) State: Oregon County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 07/31/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: Focus Areas HECC will fund projects in the below identified focus areas. Career Advancement Education and training programs that address transferable technology skills and focus on upskilling and reskilling adult learners, dislocated workers, and individuals employed in high-tech or any other industry. Strategies may include but are not limited to acceleration strategies and models such as Credit for Prior Learning, Career Pathways, and Competency-Based Education. Recruitment Expanding education and training programs for transferable technology skills, which may include but is not limited to building awareness of technology occupations and careers and providing for high-tech career exploration. Transferable technology skills may include but are not limited to: Ability to integrate different operating systems (DevOps) Cybersecurity, threat hunting, incidence response Data analytics, back-end data Engineering (hardware & software) IT, enterprise application deployment High level customer relationship management (CRM) understanding and other function/role-specific tech platforms Instructional designers Systems engineering User experience (UX) design and research Projects in either focus area must prioritize equitable program participation by individuals from the following priority populations identified: Communities of color; Women; Low-income communities; Rural and frontier communities; Veterans; Persons with disabilities; Incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals; Members of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Indian tribes; Individuals who disproportionately experience discrimination in employment on the basis of age; and Individuals who identify as members of the LGBTQ+ community. Performance Period  July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2026 Allowable uses of funds Allowable Costs may include, but are not limited to, the following: Providing direct benefits to individuals, which may include: Paid work experience, including stipends and wages, Tuition and fee assistance for workforce programs, and Wraparound workforce development services. Wraparound workforce development services provide supports for individuals participating in workforce programs and may include but are not limited to childcare, transportation, mental health services, housing support, job-related materials and supplies, books, tuition, and other services designed to help individuals attain employment and progress along career pathways. Creating and expanding education and training programs, including developing culturally and linguistically specific career pathways for obtaining certificates, credentials, or degrees recognized by targeted industry sectors. Expanding the capacity of organizations to provide workforce development services, including: Hiring staff or contracting for services; Developing strategies around workforce programs including program development Purchasing equipment, technology, or other supplies; Paying for administrative costs; and Any other activities necessary to increase the organization’s capacity to provide workforce programs that advance economic mobility, educational attainment, and career advancement in the healthcare sector. Eligibility Criteria In order to receive an award under this RFA, an Applicant must: Be a workforce service provider or a community-based organization that administers workforce programs in the manufacturing sector; ORS 660.400(1)(c) defines workforce service providers as including: nonprofit and public workforce education, training, and career services providers; and governmental entities that provide workforce development services. Defines community-based organizations to include: nonprofit organizations that are representative of a particular community or specific segments of a community and are located within or in close proximity to the community they serve; and culturally-specific organizations. Have an active registration in SAM.Gov and have a Unique Entity Identifier. Have an Employer ID Number with the Internal Revenue Service. Have and maintain a current business registration with the Oregon Secretary of State. For more information, visit HECC.