The U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration is offering competitive grants for the YouthBuild 2025 program, with a total of $98,000,000 available for approximately 57 awards ranging from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000. These grants aim to fund public or private non-profit organizations and Tribal entities to provide pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training, education, and job placement services to disadvantaged and low-income youth aged 16-24. The program emphasizes construction training, building affordable housing, and may include "Construction Plus" components for training in other high-demand industries, including AI literacy skills. Applicants must demonstrate a physical local presence, adhere to a 25% cost-sharing requirement (with waivers for U.S. Insular Areas and Tribal Entities), and propose a 40-month performance period with distinct planning, active program, and follow-up phases. Key performance outcomes include education and employment rates, median earnings, credential attainment, measurable skill gains, effectiveness in serving employers, and entry into Registered Apprenticeships. The application deadline is March 2, 2026.

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has announced the availability of $98,000,000 in grant funds for YouthBuild 2025. This competitive grant program, identified by Funding Opportunity Number FOA-ETA-26-38, aims to award approximately 57 grants ranging from $1,000,000 to $2,000,000 each. The program supports eligible public or private non-profit organizations and Tribal entities in providing pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training, education, and job placement services to disadvantaged and low-income youth aged 16-24. YouthBuild focuses on construction training, including building or renovating affordable housing, and may incorporate "Construction Plus" for training in other high-demand industries. Key requirements include a 25% cost-sharing match (with waivers for U.S. Insular Areas and Tribal Entities), a 40-month performance period with distinct planning, active program, and follow-up phases, and adherence to specific performance outcomes like education/employment rates and credential attainment. Applications are due by March 2, 2026, and must be submitted via grants.gov. Eligibility is divided into Category A (previously funded successful YouthBuild grantees) and Category B (other qualifying organizations), each with different funding request limits and past performance evaluation criteria. All applicants must partner with American Job Centers and demonstrate robust program planning, supportive services, and employer engagement strategies.