As part of the District’s investment into strengthening local youth apprenticeship programs through ARPA funding, DOES is seeking high quality, structured and innovative grant applications from registered apprenticeship programs or new organizations to develop, implement and/or expand existing or new youth apprenticeship programs for 80 District out-of-school youth*, ages 18 to 24. Applicants are expected to provide workforce training, exposure, and placement into apprenticeship programs. The proposed initiative must lead to increased apprenticeship opportunities and direct entry to registered apprenticeship programs in traditional and nontraditional apprenticeable occupations and industries for 80 District out-of-school youth ages 18-24.
* District out-of-school youth (1) are no longer engaged or connected to secondary education, high school dropouts, or disconnected from traditional school; (2) have either graduated from high school or secured a GED but have no post-secondary education, career targets, sustainable plans; (3) are not in the workforce; or (4) are basic skills deficient, leaving them either unemployed or underemployed.
To support the expansion of current Youth Apprenticeship Programs (YAP) or the development of new YAP, grant funds are available to primarily support workforce training costs related to On-the-Job Training (OJT), On-the-Job Learning (OJL), and related technical instruction (RTI). Program costs such as training materials, equipment, and curriculum are also allowable costs under this RFA.
Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, applicants should be prepared to offer services virtually,
in person, and/or in a hybrid iteration given the status of the District and DOES.
Acceptable YAP models under this RFA include:
For more information on program models, see https://communityaffairs.dc.gov/sites/moca/files/dc/sites/moca/publication/attachments/2023%20OSY%20Youth%20Apprenticeship%20Program%202-17-23.pdf#page=5.
Estimated Total Program Funding:
