STEM Workforce Challenge Grant Round XV

The STEM Workforce Challenge Grant, administered by the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT), is designed to strengthen Nevada’s workforce ecosystem by fostering sustainable partnerships between industry and training providers. With the increasing demand for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) skills in Nevada’s expanding economy, this grant seeks to bridge the skills gap by funding the development and expansion of training programs tailored to industry needs. OSIT’s mission, established through NRS 223.600, aligns education, workforce, and economic development efforts in the STEM fields, aiming to provide residents with access to well-paying jobs and to support employers in securing a qualified workforce. The grant encourages applications from organizations that can demonstrate strong collaboration between industry and education/training entities. Successful applicants will propose programs that deliver middle-skill STEM training, culminating in an industry-recognized credential, certificate, or associate degree. These credentials must be included on the Nevada Industry-Recognized Credentials List, or be justified through employer demand if not listed. Programs must address workforce needs identified through current labor market information and must be sustainable beyond the grant period. Target populations for training include incumbent workers, displaced workers, and traditional postsecondary students, with an emphasis on underserved groups. Funds may be used for capital or programmatic expenses essential to starting or expanding a training program. Capital expenses refer to long-term assets used in the learning process, such as machines, equipment, or software, while programmatic expenses may include curriculum purchases or salaries for staff developing training. However, funds may not be used for ongoing operational costs such as student tuition or salaries for existing instructors. All awarded state funds must be spent by June 30 of the fiscal year awarded, although training may conclude afterward. Applications must clearly outline how grant funding will increase program capacity and must detail both the intended outcomes and how sustainability will be achieved. A total of $500,000 will be distributed competitively, with a single applicant able to receive up to $425,000. All applicants are required to contribute a 10% match in either cash, in-kind support, or both. Proposals offering a cash match may earn up to four additional points in the review process, with additional points also available for projects with matching contributions from a STEM business partner. Match contributions may include equipment, staff time, facilities, or professional services. Indirect cost rates of up to 10% may be included as part of the match. All match funds must be documented and reported during the program's evaluation period. Eligible applicants include Nevada community colleges, state colleges, private career colleges, Chambers of Commerce, workforce training organizations, Regional Development Authorities, STEM-related businesses, employee associations, and city or county governments. Applications are due by 5:00 PM PST on August 26, 2024, and must include a cover sheet, project abstract, budget plan, project narrative, and letters of commitment. Applicants must also attend to specific formatting requirements, page limits, and submission protocols to avoid disqualification. Evaluation criteria include the quality of the needs assessment, strength of the work plan and impact analysis, quality of partnerships, plan for sustainability, and data collection methodology. Proposals are scored against a rubric, and those selected will enter into contracts with OSIT. Funded projects must begin within 30 days of award and will be reimbursed based on submitted expenses. Ongoing reporting is required, including quarterly fiscal and progress reports and a final evaluation. Applicants are strongly encouraged to refer to the full Request for Applications and to contact OSIT staff for clarification. The application portal is available at https://forms.gle/QmyzadTuGdQzN1Kz8, and questions can be directed to Tracey Howard at [email protected].