The U.S. Department of Labor has announced $76 million in funding aimed at job training and career development for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. This initiative represents a core part of the administration's plan to build education-to-career pipelines that connect job seekers with demand-driven employment.
Of this total allocation, $62 million is dedicated to adult employment and training programs. These resources aim to help individuals gain occupational skills, improve literacy, and master entrepreneurial practices to secure stable employment. The funding is administered through the Employment and Training Administration and is expected to result in approximately 163 individual grants.
An additional $14 million is reserved for the Supplemental Youth Service program. This specific portion targets individuals between 14 and 24 years old who live on or near reservations or in specific regions including Oklahoma, Alaska, and Hawaii. The focus remains on helping young people obtain high school diplomas, acquire basic skills, and participate in year-round employment activities.
According to U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer, this investment helps tribes and tribal entities partner with educational institutions and employers. The goal is to provide reliable, high-wage career pathways for tribal members. These efforts align with broader economic strategies meant to prepare American workers for long-term success.
Eligible applicants for these funds include federally recognized Indian tribes, Alaska Native-controlled organizations, and other Native Hawaiian-controlled organizations. The department uses a specific funding formula to determine final award amounts across U.S. geographic areas. Interested parties can access further details and application criteria through federal grant portals.