Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7: A Grant Initiative for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border Regions
This grant funds projects that build workforce skills for high-growth industries in the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions through a partnership with the Department of Labor and regional commissions.
Funder: Employment and Training Administration
Due Dates: July 23, 2026 (Full application submission deadline)
Funding Amounts: $2,000,000–$8,000,000 per award | ~15 awards | Total program funding: $49.2M
Summary: Supports large-scale, industry-driven workforce development projects addressing critical employer needs in high-growth sectors across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions.
Description
This grant initiative funds workforce development projects in rural communities within the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. The program is designed to address critical workforce needs in high-growth and emerging industries through regional industry and sector partnerships. Projects must deliver industry-driven training, including occupational skills training, Registered Apprenticeships, and supportive services, to help dislocated workers, incumbent workers, and new entrants gain credentials and employment in targeted sectors such as skilled trades/construction, health care, IT, manufacturing, domestic energy production, and business/professional services. The grant encourages collaboration among employers, educational institutions, workforce boards, and other partners to create sustainable, scalable models that enhance worker mobility and regional economic resilience.
