The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative

The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative is a discretionary grant opportunity funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA). With an anticipated funding pool of $81 million and an additional potential $110 million in reserve from FY 2026 appropriations, the initiative supports up to 20 awards ranging from $1 million to $5.1 million. RESTART is designed to enhance workforce readiness and employment outcomes for individuals with criminal records, focusing on equipping these individuals with skills in high-demand sectors such as advanced manufacturing, skilled trades, AI infrastructure, and maritime industries. The primary objective of RESTART is to reduce recidivism by offering justice-involved individuals—including youth (15–17), young adults (18–24), and adults (25+)—opportunities for employment and workforce integration. The program prioritizes strategies that are evidence-based and aligned with local labor market demands. Key allowable activities include credentialed training programs, pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities, on-the-job training (OJT), digital and financial literacy, support for occupational licensing, wraparound supportive services, and follow-up support. Participants may also benefit from wage subsidies, stipends, and performance-based incentives. The initiative promotes cross-agency collaboration and aims to institutionalize these strategies for long-term sustainability through integration with state workforce systems. Eligibility for the RESTART grant is broad. State and territorial governments, federally recognized and non-recognized tribal governments and organizations, and national or regional intermediary nonprofits (with or without 501(c)(3) status) may apply. However, institutions of higher education are explicitly excluded from intermediary eligibility. Intermediaries must partner with at least two sub-grantees operating across three or more non-contiguous metropolitan or rural areas and are restricted to serving youth and young adult populations. All applicants are required to form partnerships with criminal justice system entities and employers in targeted sectors. Depending on the applicant type, additional mandatory partners include State Workforce Development Boards, State Apprenticeship Agencies, or local reentry organizations. Required Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) or Letters of Commitment (LOCs) must document roles, responsibilities, and resource sharing across all partners. Applicants must submit a detailed project narrative (limited to 25 pages), a statement of need supported by demographic data, a past performance chart, and a budget narrative. Minimum participant enrollment requirements range from 200 to 680 based on the funding level requested. Projects must track and report on specific WIOA performance indicators (employment rates, credential attainment, median earnings) as well as REO-specific measures like recidivism and Registered Apprenticeship enrollments. Projects targeting youth or adults must design programming tailored to their distinct developmental and social needs, ensuring separate service tracks and support mechanisms. Applications must be submitted via Grants.gov by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on April 15, 2026. A pre-recorded applicant webcast will be made available on or around March 10, 2026, through the ETA grants page. While viewing is not mandatory, it is strongly encouraged. The anticipated period of performance begins on July 1, 2026, and spans 42 months. Though cost sharing is not required, applicants may leverage additional resources for project support. For inquiries, applicants may contact Alexander Heron at [email protected]. Notification of award selections will be published on the ETA website, with selected recipients contacted directly.

Customize programs separately for youth and adults; include all required attachments; clearly identify number of participants and outcomes to avoid disqualification.