Opportunity Information: Apply for FOA ETA 16 01
Apply for FOA ETA 16 01
- The DOL-ETA in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "Tech Hire Partnership Grants" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 17.268.
- This funding opportunity was created on Nov 17, 2015 and posted on Nov 17, 2015.
- Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 11, 2016. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $5,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 35 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).
[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal:
Opportunity Summary:
The Tech Hire Partnership Grants opportunity (FOA ETA-16-01) was a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA), funded through CFDA 17.268. About $100 million was made available to support projects that could quickly prepare people for well-paying, middle- and high-skilled, and fast-growing jobs in industries that commonly use H-1B talent. The core idea was to help participants move into in-demand occupations in their local or regional labor market, especially in fields like information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and broadband, by using training models that shorten the time between learning and employment.
The program focused heavily on building and scaling public-private partnerships. Applicants were expected to bring together key players from the workforce system, education and training providers, and business-oriented nonprofit organizations, with employers playing a meaningful role in shaping what gets taught and how participants are hired. While the primary emphasis was on preparing new workers for entry into H-1B-related occupations, the program also allowed, on a limited basis, efforts that helped companies upskill incumbent workers who were currently in lower-skilled roles so they could move into more technology-enabled, higher-skilled positions.
Funded projects were designed around five practical goals. First, grantees were expected to expand access to accelerated learning options that provide the fastest routes to good jobs, including bootcamp-style training, online formats, and competency-based approaches, generally aiming for training that could lead to job-ready skills in as little as three months and up to two years. This access focus was specifically tied to reaching people who have historically faced barriers to employment and training. Second, the grants prioritized completion and placement results, encouraging specialized instruction and strong participant supports that reduce drop-off and address real-life obstacles, such as transportation help, mentoring, networking and job search assistance, active job development, and financial counseling.
Third, the program put real weight on connecting trained individuals to paid, career-starting work experiences and jobs. That included direct placement into employment as well as structured pathways like paid internships and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities, especially for jobseekers who already have relevant skills but are often overlooked by employers. Fourth, applicants were expected to show a serious commitment to customer-centered design and high-quality customer experience, meaning training and services should be built around the real needs and experiences of both participants and employers, using human-centered design and other design-thinking methods to improve how programs work in practice.
Fifth, the Department wanted innovation that would last beyond the grant period. Proposals needed to show how new approaches would be sustained, scaled, or integrated into normal operations over time, and how the partnership would stay responsive to rapidly changing skill needs in technology-driven fields. In other words, the grant was not just about running a short-term training program; it was about creating models and partnerships that could keep adapting as industry requirements evolve.
In terms of basic award information, the opportunity anticipated around 35 awards, with an award ceiling of $5,000,000 per grant. The solicitation was posted November 17, 2015, and had a closing date of March 11, 2016. Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others" with additional clarification in the full announcement, signaling that a range of partnership-led applicants could potentially apply so long as they matched the program requirements and could credibly lead a multi-organization effort tied to regional demand.
Tech Hire Partnership Grants (FOA ETA-16-01) - FAQs
What is the Tech Hire Partnership Grants opportunity (FOA ETA-16-01)?
The Tech Hire Partnership Grants opportunity (FOA ETA-16-01) was a discretionary grant program run by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA). It was funded through CFDA 17.268 and supported projects designed to quickly prepare people for well-paying, middle- and high-skilled, fast-growing jobs in industries that commonly use H-1B talent.
Which federal agency ran and funded this grant program?
The program was run by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (DOL-ETA) and funded through CFDA 17.268.
How much funding was available under this opportunity?
About $100 million was made available to support projects under this opportunity.
How many awards were anticipated?
The opportunity anticipated around 35 awards.
What was the maximum award size?
The award ceiling was $5,000,000 per grant.
When was the solicitation posted and when did it close?
The solicitation was posted on November 17, 2015, and had a closing date of March 11, 2016.
What kinds of jobs and industries did the grants target?
The grants targeted in-demand occupations in local or regional labor markets, especially in fields like information technology, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, financial services, and broadband. These were industries described as commonly using H-1B talent.
What was the core purpose of the program?
The core idea was to help participants move into in-demand occupations by using training models that shorten the time between learning and employment, aiming to prepare people quickly for well-paying jobs.
What did "H-1B-related occupations" mean in the context of this program?
Within this opportunity, the emphasis was on preparing workers for jobs in industries that commonly use H-1B talent. The program framed these as technology-driven, fast-growing roles requiring middle- to high-level skills.
Who was the program intended to serve?
Funded projects were expected to expand access to accelerated learning options, with a specific focus on reaching people who have historically faced barriers to employment and training.
Did the program support incumbent worker upskilling?
Yes, but on a limited basis. While the primary focus was preparing new workers for entry into H-1B-related occupations, the program also allowed efforts to help companies upskill incumbent workers who were in lower-skilled roles so they could move into more technology-enabled, higher-skilled positions.
What was the role of partnerships in this grant program?
The program focused heavily on building and scaling public-private partnerships. Applicants were expected to bring together key players from the workforce system, education and training providers, and business-oriented nonprofit organizations, with employers playing a meaningful role in shaping training content and hiring.
Why were employers expected to play a meaningful role?
The opportunity emphasized employer involvement so that what participants learned matched real hiring needs, and so that hiring and work-based learning connections (like internships and apprenticeships) were built into the program model.
What were the main goals that funded projects were designed around?
Funded projects were designed around five practical goals: (1) expand access to accelerated learning options, (2) prioritize completion and placement results with strong supports, (3) connect trained individuals to paid work experiences and jobs, (4) commit to customer-centered design and high-quality customer experience, and (5) create innovation that lasts beyond the grant period through sustainability and ongoing responsiveness to changing skill needs.
What types of training models were encouraged?
The program encouraged accelerated learning options that provide the fastest routes to good jobs, including bootcamp-style training, online formats, and competency-based approaches.
How long could training take under the program's approach?
The opportunity generally aimed for training that could lead to job-ready skills in as little as three months and up to two years.
How did the program address participant completion and placement outcomes?
The grants prioritized completion and placement results by encouraging specialized instruction and strong participant supports intended to reduce drop-off and address real-life obstacles that can prevent completion and employment.
What kinds of participant supports were highlighted?
Examples of supports included transportation help, mentoring, networking and job search assistance, active job development, and financial counseling.
What did the program emphasize about work-based learning and paid experiences?
The program put strong emphasis on connecting trained individuals to paid, career-starting work experiences and jobs. This included direct placement into employment and structured pathways such as paid internships and Registered Apprenticeship opportunities.
Why did the program highlight jobseekers who are often overlooked by employers?
The opportunity specifically called out creating pathways (including paid internships and Registered Apprenticeships) for jobseekers who may already have relevant skills but are often overlooked by employers.
What did "customer-centered design" mean for this grant program?
The program expected applicants to show a serious commitment to customer-centered design and high-quality customer experience, meaning training and services should be built around the real needs and experiences of both participants and employers. It referenced using human-centered design and other design-thinking methods to improve how programs work in practice.
What did the Department mean by innovation that lasts beyond the grant period?
Proposals needed to describe how new approaches would be sustained, scaled, or integrated into normal operations over time, and how the partnership would stay responsive to rapidly changing skill needs in technology-driven fields.
Was this program intended to be a short-term training effort only?
No. The opportunity emphasized that it was not just about running a short-term training program; it was about creating models and partnerships that could keep adapting as industry requirements evolve.
Who was eligible to apply?
Eligibility was listed broadly as "Others," with additional clarification in the full announcement. The description signals that a range of partnership-led applicants could potentially apply if they matched the program requirements and could credibly lead a multi-organization effort tied to regional demand.
What kind of applicant was this program looking for in practice?
Based on the emphasis in the opportunity, applicants were expected to be able to convene and manage a public-private partnership that included workforce system partners, education and training providers, business-oriented nonprofit organizations, and engaged employers, all aligned to local or regional labor market demand.
How did local or regional labor market demand factor into proposals?
The opportunity focused on helping participants move into in-demand occupations in their local or regional labor market, so proposals were expected to align training and hiring pathways to real, regional demand in targeted industries.
What is the CFDA number associated with this opportunity?
The funding was provided through CFDA 17.268.
How did the program aim to shorten the time between learning and employment?
It encouraged accelerated training approaches (including bootcamps, online learning, and competency-based models) and emphasized strong placement strategies, paid work experiences, and employer involvement in training design and hiring.
Browse more opportunities from the same category: Employment, Labor and Training
Next opportunity: Provision of Comprehensive HIV Care, Treatment, and Support Programs in the United Republic of Tanzania under the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR)
Previous opportunity: Emerging Infections Sentinel Networks (EISN) Research
USGrants.org Applicant Portal:
Are you interested in learning about about how to apply for this government funding opportunity? You can create a free applicant account and receive instant access to our applicant portal that many business owners like you have benefited from.
Apply for FOA ETA 16 01
[Watch] how do funding administrators access proposals?
Applicants also applied for:
Applicants who have applied for this opportunity (FOA ETA 16 01) also looked into and applied for these:
| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Training to Work 3 – Adult Reentry , FOA-ETA-15-07-A Apply for FOA ETA 15 07 A Funding Number: FOA ETA 15 07 A Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,360,000 |
| Strengthening Working Families Initiative Apply for FOA ETA 16 05 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 05 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $4,000,000 |
| Bubbs Creek and South Fork Kings River Project Apply for P16AS00027 Funding Number: P16AS00027 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $100,000 |
| LINKING TO EMPLOYMENT ACTIVITIES PRE‐RELEASE THROUGH SPECIALIZED AMERICAN JOB CENTERS (AJCS) – (“LEAP-2”) Apply for FOA ETA 16 03 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 03 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Summer Jobs and Beyond: Career Pathways for Youth (CPY) Apply for FOA ETA 16 08 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 08 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,000,000 |
| Fiscal Year (FY) 2015 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Apply for DHS 15 GPD 083 000 99 Funding Number: DHS 15 GPD 083 000 99 Agency: DHS-DHS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) National Grants for Program Year (PY) 2016 Apply for FOA ETA 16 04 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 04 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $50,000,000 |
| The National Farmworker Jobs Program (NFJP) Employment and Training Grants and Housing Assistance Grants Apply for FOA ETA 16 02 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 02 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| REENTRY DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS FOR YOUNG ADULTS Apply for FOA ETA 16 06 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 06 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $4,500,000 |
| Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program Apply for P16AS00083 Funding Number: P16AS00083 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $5,000 |
| Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program Apply for P16AS00096 Funding Number: P16AS00096 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $9,600 |
| Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program Apply for P16AS00094 Funding Number: P16AS00094 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $10,000 |
| Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program Apply for P16AS00092 Funding Number: P16AS00092 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $19,200 |
| Cultural Resources Diversity Internship Program Apply for P16AS00093 Funding Number: P16AS00093 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $9,600 |
| Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) Technical Assistance (TA) Grants Apply for FOA ETA 16 11 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 11 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $650,000 |
| Pathways to Justice Careers for Youth (PJC) Apply for FOA ETA 16 09 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 09 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| BIHO Visitor Services Interns Apply for NPS NOIP16AC00615 Funding Number: NPS NOIP16AC00615 Agency: DOI-NPS Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $40,256 |
| Paid Leave Analysis Grants Apply for FOA WB 16 01 Funding Number: FOA WB 16 01 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $250,000 |
| M&E Toolkit: OCFT Sector-Specific Interventions and Cross-Cutting Themes Apply for FOA ILAB 16 02 Funding Number: FOA ILAB 16 02 Agency: DOL-ETA-ILAB Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,000,000 |
| YouthBuild Apply for FOA ETA 16 10 Funding Number: FOA ETA 16 10 Agency: DOL-ETA Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,100,000 |
Grant application guides and resources
It is always free to apply for government grants. However the process may be very complex depending on the funding opportunity you are applying for. Let us help you!
Apply for Grants

Premium leads for funding administrators, grant writers, and loan issuers
Thousands of people visit our website for their funding needs every day. When a user creates a grant proposal and files for submission, we pass the information on to funding administrators, grant writers, and government loan issuers.
If you manage government grant programs, provide grant writing services, or issue personal or government loans, we can help you reach your audience.
Subscribe to Leads
Request more information:
Would you like to learn more about this funding opportunity, similar opportunities to "FOA ETA 16 01", eligibility, application service, and/or application tips? Submit an inquiry below:
Don't forget to subscribe to our grant alerts mailing list to receive weekly alerts on new and updated grant funding opportunities like this one in your email.
