In April 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul announced an investment of $350 million for workforce development, including the creation of the Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) within Empire State Development (ESD), charged with better aligning workforce development efforts with the needs and priorities of today's employers.
This investment represents a decisive shift toward a state workforce development strategy that is laser-focused on connecting New Yorkers to quality, in-demand jobs in the state’s fastest-growing industries. Funding supports workforce development grant program supporting employer-driven, high-skilled workforce training programs.
Through OSWD, ESD is helping to create new economic opportunities for unemployed, underemployed and underrepresented workers, while simultaneously meeting the labor needs of the state’s highest-growth industry sectors.
Since launching in 2022, OSWD has hit the ground running to lay the foundation for the State’s new approach to workforce development, awarding a combined total of $83 million to 91 workforce development projects across the state which will train more than 20,000 New Yorkers.
The success of the Governor’s historic investment and of this Office depends on partnership and collaboration from numerous parties – employers and industries, workers and unions, workforce development providers and advocates, academic and philanthropic institutions, regional partners, and government agencies. OSWD is committed to partnering with all stakeholders to advance its mission and have a transformative impact on New York State’s workforce ecosystem.
OSWD is focused on creating and expanding industry-driven training that provides in-demand skills and direct job placements into high-growth, priority economic sectors throughout the State. The Office supports economic mobility for all New Yorkers by emphasizing programs that provide both credentialed training opportunities and robust wraparound services to support participants through training and into employment.
Grant programs will be offline for the remainder of 2026, with new application windows to be identified in 2027. Join the OSWD mailing list to receive notification when schedules are posted.
Provides funding for capital expenses related to new or expanding workforce training programs, including modernization of existing training centers, building new facilities, or to purchase machinery and/or equipment for training.
Provides funding that can be used for programmatic expenses related to new program development or expansion of an existing program, including curricula development, instruction and instructional materials, technology, marketing , and/or trainee supports.
The $200 million ON-RAMP Program investment is funding and realizing a network of four new workforce development centers in strategic, high impact locations across Upstate New York.
Highlighting important features of impactful workforce training, including career pathways, inclusive staffing, job quality, industry prioritization, and wraparound supports.
Receive notification of funding opportunities and other updates from the Office of Strategic Workforce Development.