Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Talent Challenge Program
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Program Objective
The U.S Economic Development Administration’s STEM Talent Challenge aims to build STEM talent training systems to strengthen regional innovation economies.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- U.S. State Government
- Department/Agency of U.S. Territorial Gov
- Federally Recognized Tribal Government
- Municipality/Township Government
- County Government
- Local Government Consortium
- Nonprofit Organization
- Other
Eligible applications for and eligible recipients of EDA investment assistance under this NOFO include:
• a State;
• an Indian tribe;
• a city or other political subdivision of a State;
• an entity that is—
o a nonprofit organization;
o an institution of higher education;
o a public-private partnership;
o a science or research park;
o a Federal laboratory;
o an economic development organization or similar entity;
and that has an application supported by a State, a political subdivision of a State, or a native organization; or
• a consortium of any of the above-mentioned eligible applicants.
How to Apply
Award Procedure
Anticipated awards typically will have a period of performance of approximately 18 to 24 months with an estimated start date about 45 days after the date on which EDA makes the award.
Decision Timeline
- Approval: From 60 to 90 days
Program details & compliance
Description
The STEM Talent Challenge provides grants to organizations that develop and implement STEM talent strategies to support regional innovation economies. The challenge seeks applicants who can identify opportunities in high-growth sectors and expand the workforce for the innovation economy. It particularly focuses on emerging, transformative industries such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, advanced manufacturing and robotics, space exploration and commerce, bioscience, quantum information science, as well as aqua- and agricultural technologies. This program may make new awards based on FY26 appropriations. Funded projects may still actively report expenditures.
Mission Categories
Primary: Economic Development
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Proposed projects may aim for some or all of the following outputs and outcomes or others, as appropriate, considering each proposed project’s regional, sectoral, and economic contexts.
A. STEM Work-Based Learning and Training
Projects should focus on an interdisciplinary approach and utilize training models that provide workers with the experiences and skills they will need to succeed on-the-job and in real-world applications. These may include, but are not limited to, innovative industry-driven apprenticeships, fellowships, internships, and other cooperative employer-educator partnerships, and are not limited to existing industry definitions – experimentation and innovation is encouraged. While important to the development of a future workforce, general education programs such as those found in K-12 curriculums are not encouraged, unless part of a broader strategy in a STEM readiness program.
B. Increase Regional Innovation Capacity
Projects should focus on connecting regional innovation stakeholders and employers with the workforce and talent development leaders of the region, or training providers who are readying tomorrow’s workforce. Programs should emphasize enabling the region’s fast-paced technology startups and innovative companies to hire locally and decrease their costs and lead time to filling positions, allowing them to grow their teams and scale their businesses faster. Traditional workforce development programs may not have the expertise or networks to accomplish this – organizations that normally do not identify as workforce development organizations, but are driving regional innovation through worker training are encouraged to apply. These may include, but are not limited to eligible applicants that are business accelerators and incubators, digital economy training organizations, and venture development organizations. Please see Section C (p. 4) of this NOFO for eligibility information regarding the STEM Talent Challenge.
Matching Requirements
Applicants must provide matching non-Federal Share equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost; i.e., applicants must match each dollar requested with at least one dollar of applicant match.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements