Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions

The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Round 7 grant initiative is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, in partnership with the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border Regional Commission. This initiative is designed to address workforce development challenges in economically distressed rural regions by supporting large-scale regional partnerships that align workforce training with employer needs. The program emphasizes economic mobility, workforce participation, and the development of talent pipelines in high-growth industries across multi-county or multi-state rural regions. The primary purpose of this grant is to fund regional industry and sector partnerships that design and implement workforce training programs responsive to employer demand. Projects must focus on at least one targeted industry sector such as skilled trades, healthcare, information technology, manufacturing, domestic energy production, or business and professional services. These programs are expected to include a mix of short-term training, career pathway development, and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities. The initiative aims to support both new entrants to the workforce and incumbent workers by providing access to credential-based training that leads to sustainable employment and wage growth. Funding for this opportunity is substantial, with approximately $49.2 million available to support between 6 and 24 awards, and individual grant awards ranging from $2 million to $8 million. The Department may increase total available funding by up to an additional $54 million if additional appropriations become available. Funds may be used for occupational training, work-based learning programs such as apprenticeships and on-the-job training, supportive services (capped at 10 percent of grant funds), and capacity-building activities that strengthen workforce systems. Equipment purchases are limited to 15 percent or $100,000 of the award, whichever is less, and all costs must be necessary, reasonable, and aligned with federal guidelines. Eligibility for this funding opportunity is broad and includes state, local, and tribal governments, workforce development boards, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, and industry associations. However, the lead applicant must serve as a sector convener and demonstrate the ability to coordinate a regional partnership that includes employers, workforce entities, and training providers. Applicants must operate within designated WORC regions and provide documentation of commitments from required partners. Participants served under the program must live or work within eligible rural communities and may include dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and new workforce entrants. The application process requires submission through Grants.gov and includes several components such as the SF-424 application form, a detailed project narrative, a budget narrative, and required attachments including partner commitment documentation. The project narrative must address need, program design, expected outcomes, and organizational capacity. Applications are evaluated based on a 100-point scoring system covering criteria such as statement of need, project design, sector partnerships, and administrative capacity. A technical merit review panel evaluates submissions, and final award decisions may also consider geographic distribution and industry focus. The application deadline for this opportunity is July 23, 2026, at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Awards are expected to begin on October 1, 2026, with a period of performance lasting 36 months. Applicants are encouraged to review a pre-recorded webcast available prior to submission to better understand program requirements. Following submission, applicants will be notified of award decisions and may receive feedback if not selected. The program does not require matching funds, although leveraged resources are encouraged to enhance project impact and sustainability beyond the grant period.

Focus on strong employer partnerships and documented commitments; align training programs with high demand sectors; clearly demonstrate regional workforce need and measurable outcomes