Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training Grants - Youth

The Program Year Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training Grants Youth initiative is administered by the Employment and Training Administration within the U.S. Department of Labor. This program operates under the authority of Section 166 of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act and is part of a recurring federal investment in workforce development services for Indian and Native American communities. The Department of Labor conducts this grant competition every four years to ensure continued support for eligible entities delivering employment and training services at the local level. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support employment and training activities specifically targeted toward youth within Indian and Native American populations, including Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. The program is designed to promote economic self-sufficiency through a combination of employment services, education and training assistance, and supportive services. These services may include job placement assistance, workforce readiness training, educational support, and other interventions that help participants overcome barriers to employment. Funding under this opportunity is intended to be used by eligible organizations to deliver comprehensive youth-focused workforce programs. Allowable uses include employment services, financial assistance for education and training, and supportive services necessary for participants to succeed in the labor market. There is no cost sharing or matching requirement associated with this funding opportunity. Awards are expected to be made to approximately 63 recipients, with total program funding estimated at 14,000,000 dollars. Individual awards may vary, with a ceiling of 2808366 dollars per award. Eligibility for this program is limited to specific types of organizations serving Indian and Native American communities. Eligible applicants include federally recognized Native American tribal governments, Native American tribal organizations that meet statutory definitions, and certain nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status that are controlled by or serve Native populations. These include Alaska Native-controlled organizations, Native Hawaiian-controlled organizations, Indian-controlled organizations, and qualifying consortia. Faith-based organizations that meet eligibility criteria are also encouraged to apply. The application process requires electronic submission through Grants.gov by the stated deadline. Applicants must ensure that all required materials are submitted prior to the closing date. Additionally, applicants seeking funding under this youth program must also apply for and be selected under the related Comprehensive Services Program for adults, making this a conditional eligibility requirement tied to another funding opportunity. The Department of Labor provides a contact email for technical assistance related to accessing the full announcement or application materials. The application window for this funding opportunity opened on April 2, 2026, and closes on May 22, 2026 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. This program operates on a four-year competition cycle, and selected recipients will receive annual funding for up to three additional program years following the initial award, subject to appropriations and departmental requirements. Current recipients from the previous competition cycle must reapply to continue receiving funding. This structure reflects the program’s long-term commitment to workforce development in Native communities while maintaining periodic competitive review.