Announcing CCW Washington Jobs Initiative Good Jobs Challenge Grant Solicitation

The Employment Security Department (ESD), on behalf of Career Connect Washington (CCW) and in partnership with the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC), is pleased to announce a new Request for Applications (RFA). Through this competitive grant solicitation, ESD is seeking grant applications from regional industry sector partnerships who will build and implement career connected learning programs to meet identified industry needs and achieve the goals of the Washington Jobs Initiative – Washington State’s Good Jobs Challenge federal grant.

The US Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration’s (EDA) Good Jobs Challenge (GJC) is making once-in-a-generation investments in industry sector partnerships nationwide. With a focus on equity, the GJC is scaling industry-driven programs that expand career opportunities for more Americans to reach their full potential and secure good paying jobs while producing the skilled workforce industry needs to innovate, compete, and succeed in the global economy. The Washington Jobs Initiative (WJI) will leverage the Career Connect Washington system to train 5,000 Washingtonians and ensure that at least 3,000 are placed in good jobs by 2025. The WJI targets the ten high-demand and high-growth industry sectors represented by CCW Sector Leaders, whose sector strategies are published and periodically updated on the CCW Sector Leader webpage.

This one-time federal grant provides unique opportunities for CCW partners. Allowable activities include the provision of direct services to participants. Such services include the provision of wrap-around supports such as child care, transportation, and other necessary assistance.

Please use the “View the Solicitation” link below to access the full WJI Request for Applications (RFA). This document includes detailed application requirements, federal definitions and guidance for program services and reporting, and instructions on how to develop and submit a competitive application. To learn more about this opportunity, please find included in the timeline and activities table below the videos and presentation materials from two technical assistance webinars hosted by Washington STEM and two solicitation conferences hosted by ESD. Washington STEM has also prepared technical assistance on Sectoral Partnerships. WSAC’s WJI website is frequently updated to provide points of contact, project information, federal procurement guidance, and a Frequently Asked Questions document.