The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Employment and Training Administration of the U.S. Department of Labor is offering the Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative, which provides $81 million in grants to support workforce readiness and employment for ex-offenders. This initiative aims to train individuals across three target populations—youth (ages 15-17), young adults (ages 18-24), and adults (25 and older)—for high-demand jobs in sectors such as advanced manufacturing and shipbuilding, with a focus on reducing recidivism and enhancing skilled labor. Eligible applicants include state and tribal governments, as well as national and regional intermediary organizations, and applications are due by April 15, 2026, with awards ranging from $1 million to $5.1 million. Interested parties can reach out to Alexander Heron at RESTART_FOA-ETA-26-17@dol.gov for further inquiries.
Eligible Applicants
See the funding opportunity for specific eligibility requirements. National or Regional Intermediaries can be nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status with the IRS, that have a national or regional scope. For the purposes of this FOA, institutions of higher education are not considered National or Regional Intermediaries. Intermediaries must, in their proposal, identify sub-grantees across three or more non-contiguous metropolitan areas or rural regions. Faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply, as are all organizations. Those that meet the eligibility requirements may receive awards under this funding opportunity. DOL will not, in the selection of recipients and administration of the grant, discriminate on the basis of an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, or on the basis of conduct that would not be considered grounds to favor or disfavor a similarly situated secular organization.