$115 Million Pay for Performance Grant Program Will Support Training Programs Offering Industry-Recognized Credentials and Certifications in High-Demand Fields
$35 Million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program Will Help Education and Workforce Training Providers with Capital Expenses to Provide Programs for an Evolving Jobs Landscape
Fulfills Governor Hochul's State of the State Commitment to Help Meet Employer Needs, Increase Training Capacity, and Position New York Job Seekers to Fill High-Quality, In-Demand Jobs
Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the launch of New York State's $150 million workforce development grant programs, administered by the newly-formed Office of Strategic Workforce Development within Empire State Development. The $115 million Pay for Performance Grant Program and the $35 million Workforce Development Capital Grant Program are designed to meet New York State's workforce needs, increase the capacity of workforce training providers, and position New Yorkers to fill high-quality, in-demand jobs. The grant programs represent the latest piece of the state's reimagined approach to strategic, collaborative and equitable workforce development to encourage economic growth.
"With this $150 million investment in the state's workforce, we are standing by our commitment to making New York the most business-friendly and worker-friendly state in the nation," Governor Hochul said. "I announced the new Office of Strategic Workforce Development in my State of the State address to ensure that New York is building its workforce from all sides - both by attracting high-growth companies to our state and developing top-tier talent to fill the jobs they bring. Thanks to this investment, we are helping to fill critical roles all over the state and preparing New York job seekers for careers of the future."
The full program guidelines and links to the Consolidated Funding Applications are available on the Office of Strategic Workforce Development's website here. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis and awards are expected to be announced every two months beginning in December. The deadline for applications for the first round of grant funding is November 14, 2022.
Governor Hochul first proposed the new Office of Strategic Workforce Development in her State of the State address and established the office in April 2022 to better meet the needs of industry and create career opportunities for New Yorkers. The Office will work with workforce training providers to support industry-driven training that provides in-demand skills and direct job placement. Additionally, ESD will work hand-in-hand with the state's 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, which will engage with local stakeholders and help to identify specific skills and industries to prioritize in each region in the post-pandemic economy. The goal is to encourage new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented workers, while meeting the needs of businesses in targeted tradable sectors. Funding for the Office of Strategic Workforce Development and these grant programs was included as part of the FY23 State Budget.
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, "For New York State to grow and thrive in the 21st century, we need to invest in the programs that provide and create opportunities for more New Yorkers to learn the skills that employers need. These grants will help to create a 'future-ready' workforce - one that includes people who have traditionally faced barriers to employment - so that we can attract new businesses, grow good jobs, and create a more diverse and resilient New York State economy."