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 federal grant program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor through its Employment and Training Administration. This initiative is part of the broader Reentry Employment Opportunities program and is designed to address workforce reintegration challenges faced by individuals with criminal records. By funding workforce development programs, the Department seeks to reduce recidivism and improve economic outcomes by connecting justice-involved individuals with high-demand employment sectors. The primary purpose of the RESTART Initiative is to support the development and implementation of training programs that prepare ex-offenders for careers in skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and registered apprenticeships. The program specifically targets three age groups: youth aged 15 to 17, young adults aged 18 to 24, and adults aged 25 and older. Funded programs are expected to enhance workforce readiness skills and facilitate employment placement, ultimately helping participants become productive contributors to the U.S. economy. Funding under this opportunity totals approximately 81,000,000 dollars, with an anticipated 20 awards ranging from 1,000,000 to 5,100,000 dollars each. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement. Funds are intended to support programmatic activities such as occupational skills training, work-based learning, supportive services, and job placement assistance. The amendment to the funding opportunity clarifies that applicants must meet minimum participant enrollment targets tied to their requested funding level, ensuring accountability and scale in program delivery. Eligible applicants include state governments, federally recognized tribal governments, tribal organizations, and nonprofit organizations with or without 501(c)(3) status, excluding institutions of higher education when applying as intermediaries. National or regional intermediary organizations must demonstrate the capacity to operate across at least three non-contiguous metropolitan or rural areas and must identify sub-grantees in their proposals. Faith-based organizations are explicitly encouraged to apply, and the Department of Labor affirms that selection will not be based on religious affiliation or characteristics. Applications must be submitted electronically via Grants.gov by April 15, 2026, no later than 11:59 PM Eastern Time. While the synopsis does not detail all application components, applicants are expected to follow the full funding announcement and updated application instructions. The Department has issued an amendment to ensure alignment between application package instructions and the official funding announcement, requiring applicants to verify compliance with participant enrollment thresholds and other requirements. The review and selection process is competitive, with awards expected to support multi-site or regional workforce initiatives that demonstrate strong partnerships and measurable outcomes. Questions regarding the opportunity may be directed to the designated program contact via email. The initiative does not indicate a recurring funding cycle, and applicants are encouraged to subscribe to updates for any future announcements or amendments.

Ensure alignment with updated application instructions and verify participant enrollment thresholds based on funding request as failure to meet minimums may disqualify applications