INSIGHTi
Selected Grant Resources for Workforce
Development and Jobs Training in Response
to COVID-19
June 15, 2020
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has had a significant impact on the U.S.
workforce. This Insight identifies federal departments and agencies that administer programs to support
workforce development, training, and job readiness initiatives. It focuses on selected programs that state,
local, and tribal governments, nonprofit organizations, and educational institutions may use to address
pandemic-related labor market impacts. It does not include workforce or training assistance programs for
individuals (such as scholarships, fel owships, unemployment benefits, or other individual assistance).
Types of Federal Assistance
Many types of federal grant funding are awarded to states as formula grants or block grants. In turn, the
states (including territories and tribes) make awards to subrecipients to implement the programs’ core
objectives. Other types of federal grants (commonly cal ed discretionary or project grants) may be
awarded directly to beneficiaries on a competitive basis.
Federal assistance may also be available in the form of cooperative agreements, technical assistance, or
other types of aid.
For general information on grant resources, see CRS Report RL34012, Resources for Grantseekers.
Selected Federal Assistance Resources
Department of Labor
Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act
The Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is the primary
law for training and employment programs for adult, dislocated, and youth workers. Formula funding is
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awarded to states, which disburse some funding to local areas. State and local workforce development
boards may provide specific resources to respond to the pandemic. In addition, according to WIOA
guidance, certain COVID-19-related activities (such as cleaning or sanitizing) are considered eligible uses
of funding.
DOL awarded discretionary funding for Dislocated Worker Grants (DWGs) to states and territories to
temporarily respond to effects of the coronavirus public health emergency. Economic Recovery DWGs
are also available to applicants affected by major economic dislocations, such as mass layoffs. DOL
provided flexibility for DWGs, al owing recipients to use funding for contact tracing activities. States
may sub-grant funding to local workforce development boards or may expend funds through public and
private agencies and organizations engaged in approved projects. See CRS In Focus IF11530, Dislocated
Worker Activities in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA).
National Farmworker Jobs Program
The competitive National Farmworker Jobs Program provides funding to support public agencies and
community-based organizations that provide career services and training to farmworkers and dependents.
Department of Education
Reimagining Workforce Preparation Grant
The Department of Education launched a new discretionary grant in response to COVID-19, the
Reimagining Workforce Preparation Grant. Coronavirus-affected states may use the grant to establish
short-term educational opportunities and career pathway programs to help individuals return to work.
Perkins Career and Technical Education Act
Perkins Career and Technical Education (CTE) Act state grants support a wide variety of CTE activities.
States and territories distribute funding to local secondary and postsecondary CTE providers.
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Community Development Block Grant
Funding made available through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s
(HUD’s) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program may be used for workforce
development activities. CDBG guidance for eligible activities supporting the COVID-19 response
includes provisions for job training to expand the pool of health care workers and technicians. The
program’s state and local administrators have discretion in determining eligible uses of CDBG funding.
Stakeholders may contact HUD’s field offices or their respective state, county, or city CDBG
administrators. See CRS Insight IN11277, Responding to the COVID-19 Outbreak with Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Authorities.
Department of Health and Human Services
Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant
The Preventive Health and Health Services Block Grant supports health, clinical, and laboratory services;
public education efforts; and workforce training. The Block Grant Program is administered at the state
level (typical y by state health departments).
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Health Workforce Grants
The Health Resources & Services Administration awards several Health Workforce Grants to support
health care workforce training and education activities. See COVID-19 FAQs.
Indian Health Service Grants
Indian Health Service (IHS) programs provide grants to tribes, tribal organizations, and academic
institutions for expenses related to recruiting, training, and retaining health professionals. For example,
the IHS administers grant programs for colleges and universities that encourage health care services to
tribal communities.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) leads public health efforts
to advance behavioral health and funds efforts to develop the behavioral health workforce. State agencies
administer two noncompetitive block grants—SAMHSA also administers competitive grants, including
programs that may support workforce development and training. See COVID-19 guidance for current
grantees.
Community Services Block Grant
The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) supports a range of community-based activities to lessen
poverty and provide services to address employment, education, housing, and other needs. CSBG is
administered at the state level. See COVID-19 guidance for current grantees and stakeholders.
Department of Agriculture
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture supports agricultural workforce development through
grants and other assistance to educational institutions. See the updated COVID-19 guidance for current
grantees, partners, and applicants.
Rural Development
The Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development office administers numerous programs
benefitting rural businesses and communities. Some of these programs may be used to support workforce
development activities, such as training and technical assistance to rural businesses (e.g., see Rural
Business Development Grants). Stakeholders should contact USDA Rural Development state offices. See
the COVID-19 page.
Department of Commerce
Economic Development Administration
The Economic Development Administration’s (EDA’s) Public Works and Economic Adjustment
Assistance programs provide economical y distressed communities with resources to address a wide
variety of economic needs, including workforce development. See CRS Insight IN11402, The Economic
Development Administration’s Economic Recovery Assistance for COVID-19 Impacted Communities.
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Federal Regional Commissions
The four active federal regional commissions and authorities support economic development, workforce
development, and other activities. See CRS Report R45997, Federal Regional Commissions and
Authorities: Structural Features and Function for information about the grant programs and service areas
of the Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, Denali Commission, and Northern
Border Regional Commission.
Selected Resources for Technical Assistance and
Coordination
Economic Development Districts (EDDs) are multijurisdictional entities that help lead regional economic
development projects and planning processes. See the EDA’s directory to locate EDDs and other
resources by state.
As noted, state and local workforce development boards may provide guidance and technical assistance
on workforce and training initiatives.
Author Information
Abigail R. Overbay
Maria Kreiser
Senior Research Librarian
Senior Research Librarian
Disclaimer
This document was prepared by the Congressional Research Service (CRS). CRS serves as nonpartisan shared staff
to congressional committees and Members of Congress. It operates solely at the behest of and under the direction of
Congress. Information in a CRS Report should not be relied upon for purposes other than public understanding of
information that has been provided by CRS to Members of Congress in connection with CRS’s institutional role.
CRS Reports, as a work of the United States Government, are not subject to copyright protection in the United
States. Any CRS Report may be reproduced and distributed in its entirety without permission from CRS. However,
as a CRS Report may include copyrighted images or material from a third party, you may need to obtain the
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