Union training programs: Apply for Career Connect funding

OLYMPIA (Aug. 23, 2021) — Career Connect Washington is a public-private initiative that works with schools and employers across the state to give meaningful real-world job experiences to students of all ages — and workers up to age 30. The program’s intermediaries bridge connections between industry and educators to create and scale Career Launch, Preparation, and Awareness/Exploration programs.

Union apprenticeship and training programs have an opportunity to apply for funding as intermediaries to expand their programs. All potential applicants who are interested and qualified to develop or expand high-quality career connected programs are encouraged to apply.

The Career Connect Washington’s Round 7 Intermediary Funding Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available via Washington Electronic Business Solutions (WEBS), Reference 2021-10. You must register in WEBS to view and download the RFP. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 13.

Eligible Applicants: Entities interested and qualified to perform the role of the intermediary and work with regional networks, career connected learning coordinators at the Educational Service Districts, and industry and education partners to expand the use of current curricula or develop new curricula for Career Launch programs, or Career Prep and Explore programs. Preference will be given to applicants proposing to develop Career Launch programs.

Funding: $3 million of Federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Statewide Activities funds are available. They anticipate awarding multiple contracts in this round. The target amount for awards is $100,000 to $150,000 each. Awards will not exceed $250,000 per contract.

Period of Performance: 12 months, approximately Nov. 1, 2021 to Oct. 31, 2022.

Allowable Costs: Funding will support program development costs and will not support enrollments, wrap around services, instruction, or direct participant recruitment. Allowable budget categories may include the following, provided costs are attributable to contract activities:

• • Staff Salaries
  • Staff Benefits
  • Costs for outreach to business and education partners
  • Travel directly related to program development
  • Supplies
  • Contracts for curriculum development

If you have questions about the RFP or application process, check out this Round 7 Bidders Conference video, or direct your questions to Anna Nikolaeva via email or at 360-338-2834.