FY25 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Labor's Women’s Bureau has announced the FY25 Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance Grant Program, providing approximately $5 million in funding. This program aims to facilitate technical assistance for community-based organizations (CBOs) that help women access and thrive in Registered Apprenticeship and nontraditional occupations. Eligible organizations can apply for grants between $350,000 and $750,000, with a performance period of 24 months starting in September 2025. The program prioritizes applicants demonstrating experience in preparing women for employment in these fields, with a focus on creating pre-apprenticeship programs, providing supportive services, and driving retention of women in high-wage jobs. Key application details require a submission by August 8, 2025, via Grants.gov, along with specific eligibility criteria such as a letter detailing the organization’s CBO status. The announcement underscores the commitment to closing the gender gap in skilled trades and enhancing economic security for women.

The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has issued a Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) focused on assessing grantees' financial systems to ensure they can responsibly manage public funds. The document outlines requirements for accounting systems in compliance with federal regulations, emphasizing that records must accurately track fund receipt and expenditure, support documentation, and enable current financial reporting. It requests detailed information from applicants, including organizational structure, financial stability, and features of their accounting systems. Specific inquiries relate to government evaluations of the accounting systems, budgeting controls, time distribution records, and internal controls for safeguarding grant funds. Furthermore, applicants must disclose any ongoing legal or financial problems and provide audited financial statements if available. The FOA stresses the importance of an effective accounting system that aligns with standards set by federal regulations to uphold the public trust inherent in the handling of government funds. This announcement is part of broader federal and state initiatives to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of grant resources.