Good Jobs Challenge

The Good Jobs Challenge supports regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that train and place workers in good jobs. Good jobs are those that align with the Departments of Labor and Commerce Good Jobs Principles. The Good Jobs Challenge highlights workforce development as key to accelerating local economic growth and rebuilding regional economies so they are more resilient to future challenges, while providing good job opportunities for American workers to achieve economic mobility and security. 

The awardees funded by the Good Jobs Challenge expand opportunities across diverse populations, regions, and communities, focusing on coordinated and comprehensive approaches to removing systemic barriers for workers through support services such as childcare and transportation, and opening doors to a variety of paid on-the-job training opportunities. 

FY 2024 Awards 

The Consolidated Appropriations Act, Fiscal Year 2024, provided $25 million for the Good Jobs Challenge program. EDA anticipates making approximately 5 to 8 awards under this competition to be announced winter 2024. Through this competition, EDA will support regional workforce training systems to establish sectoral partnerships that place workers in good jobs. Applicants must implement training for jobs that advance industries of key technologies that fortify the economic and national security of the United States and advance the competitiveness of the applicant’s region. Information on the FY 2024 competition can be found under Program Resources.   

FY 2024 Applicant Planning Resources

• FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity (via EDGE)

• FY 2024 Good Jobs Challenge NOFO Text (PDF) 

• Frequently Asked Questions (PDF)

• One Page Program Summary (PDF)

• Optional Budget Narrative and Staffing Plan Template (XLSX)

• Resource Guide (Coming Soon)

• Application Checklist (PDF)

Webinars

• VIDEO: FY 24 Good Jobs Challenge NOFO Stakeholder Overview Recording & Presentation (Slide deck, PPTX) (8/8/2024)

Contacts 

• Please send email inquiries about the American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge to [email protected]. 

American Rescue Plan Awards 

EDA’s American Rescue Plan (ARPA) $500 million Good Jobs Challenge made a once-in-a-generation investments in high-quality, locally led workforce systems to dramatically transform America’s communities. With a focus on equity, the program is expanding career opportunities for more Americans to reach their full potential and secure good-paying jobs while producing a skilled workforce to ensure the United States is prepared to innovate, compete, and succeed in a 21st century global economy. 

On August 3, 2022, EDA announced awards to 32 industry-led, worker-centered training partnerships and systems across the country, which will impact 31 states and Puerto Rico. These workforce partnerships are providing tangible opportunities and security for American workers and connecting employers with the trained workforce they need to grow and maintain competitive economies. 

To support the 32 grantees that received awards through ARPA, EDA is investing in collaboration and support of the grantees through a Community of Practice. Find out more about how EDA's Community of Practice is supporting the Good Jobs grantees. 

A Look at Awardees Funded by the American Rescue Plan

Awardees funded by the American Rescue Plan serve 32 states and territories focusing on 15 targeted industries that are essential to U.S. global competitiveness and supply chain resiliency, including healthcare, information technology, and manufacturing and include 829 commitments from employers to support the programs. Ultimately, the program is projected to place more than 50,000 American workers into good, quality jobs. 

Awardee Fact Sheet (PDF) Good Jobs Challenge Awardee Digital Booklet (PDF)

View all awardees and their project proposal summaries Awardees Contact Information