The White House, Additional Resources to Access Free At-Home COVID Tests

The White House has launched a new resource to help individuals and families order free at-home COVID tests from COVIDtests.gov. Those who have difficulty accessing the Internet or need additional support placing an order can call 1-800-232-0233 to get help in English and many other languages. This call-line is open 8AM to midnight ET – 7 days a week. A TTY line (1-888-720-7489) is also available to support access to hearing impaired callers.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living (ACL) has also established additional resources. People with disabilities can reach out to the Disability Information and Assistance Line (DIAL) by calling 888-677-1199 or by emailing DIAL@usaginganddisability.org at any time. Older adults can call the Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116 or visit the Eldercare Locator website to access live chat assistance or to browse resources. More information on these COVID-19 resources can be found here.

U.S. Agency for International Development

Earlier this week, United States Agency for International Development (USAID)Administrator Samantha Power visited Tuskegee University (TU) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) under USAID’s Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) Partnership Initiative. The MOU will formalize USAID’s partnership with TU and provide a framework for applying TU’s expertise and renowned research capabilities to global challenges like global hunger and malnutrition.

Whileon campus, Administrator Power met with TU President Dr. Charlotte Morris,visited the burial sites of Booker T. Washington and George Washington Carver, visitedTU’s goat farm, and hosted a student roundtable discussion, where sheheard from students about their development work and career aspirations.

USAIDis currently signing six MOUs with six Historically Black Colleges andUniversities under the MSI Partnerships Initiative. In late 2021, AdministratorPower visited Delaware State to sign an MOU with the university and will signfour more with Florida International University, Morehouse College, AlcornState University, and Florida A&M University.

Let us know if you want tokeep up-to-date on USAID’s work with MSI’s and more by emailing publicengagement@usaid.gov.

U.S. Department of State

Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s Honors Black History Month

Please find the link to her video honoring Black History Month and encouraging the next generation of American diplomats to join our ranks!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6FKfUs7QWM&list=PLNxLozf2cP4vMY9v8Xd8aTYc69z-gmhL4&index=1&t=9s

U.S Department of Energy

Did You Know? The Office of Economic Impact & Diversity is partnering with the Idaho National Laboratory to bring stakeholders, education and workforce, more opportunities! Interested? See attached flyer and register for our upcoming event below!

February 9, 2022, 12:30-1:30PM, ET

Registration Link

UNCF Alumni Leadership Virtual Summit

February 11-12, 2022

ALL HBCU Alumni & Students Welcome! See Flyer

Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

NTIA will host broadband grant program public virtual listening sessions in connection with the five new broadband grant programs authorized and funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: The Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment Program; the Enabling Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure Program; and the Digital Equity Act Programs, which include the State Digital Equity Planning Grant Program, State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program, and Digital Equity Competitive Grant Program. These public virtual listening sessions are designed to collect stakeholder input to help inform program development and implementation.

NTIA will hold the public virtual listening sessions based on the following schedule:

1. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #4: Wednesday, February 9, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET; and
2. Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act Broadband Programs Public Virtual Listening Session #5: Wednesday, February 23, 2022, from 2:30–4:00 p.m. ET.

These listening sessions will be hosted via NTIA’s virtual platform and conducted as a live public listening session. NTIA will post the registration information on its BroadbandUSA website .

Federal Register Notice: Broadband Grant Programs Public Virtual Listening Sessions

U.S. Department of Homeland Security

Historically Black Colleges and Universities Symposium, The Path Forward: Campus Safety and Resilience

This multi-agency event for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will focus on campus safety and resilience. Information about funding opportunities and campus safety resources will be shared with symposium attendees.  HBCU faculty, staff, and administrators are encouraged to attend. Invited speakers span the public, private, and law enforcement sectors.

Date: February 10, 2022 from  1:00 pm – 4:00 pm EST

To access the program, use this link

https://hq-dhs.zoomgov.com/j/1616074828?pwd=dEFJWDdJZWp3czFwcU9jbG5oM2RyUT09

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. The Initiative will host an informational meeting on February 16, 2022 a 12:00PM, ET. If you are interested in attending this meeting please RSVP to Elyse Jones: elyse.jones@ed.gov. A calendar invite will be sent to you!

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Join the Coalition to Back Black Businesses and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Equality of Opportunity Initiative for a virtual event on February 10 at 2:00pm ET, highlighting the impact of the Coalition’s efforts to develop Black-owned businesses and what developments are needed to fully leverage their potential. This program will provide resources for Black small business owners looking to take their next step, finding coaching, supplier diversity initiatives, and other resources available to them. Additionally, we’ll hear from leaders who are inspiring and cultivating the next generation of diverse entrepreneurs.

The Coalition is a multi-year initiative launched by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation and American Express in September 2020 to support the long-term success and resilience of Black-owned small businesses. The program is a first-of-its-kind collaboration with the nation’s four major Black chambers, including the National Black Chamber of Commerce, the National Business League, the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc., and Walker’s Legacy. The Coalition is also funded through support by ADP, AIG Foundation, Altice USA, Dow, Shopify, S&P Global, and Stanley Black and Decker.

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

The White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence and Economic Development through Historically Black Colleges and Universities (Initiative) is excited to announce the release of our 2022 HBCU Scholar Recognition Program Application.

Our nomination period is open now until, March 22, 2022. We are looking for the best and brightest HBCU student leaders to participate in this prestigious program! This highly competitive recognition program is open to current HBCU students of all majors and classifications. Students accepted into the program will work with the Initiative for one academic school year and be immersed in an intensive experience working closely with one another and Initiative partners from wide range of disciplines.

More information on the Initiatives recognition program and application requirements can be found by accessing the link below.

Link to 2022 HBCU Scholar Application and site: White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity through Historically Black Colleges and Universities

U.S. Department of Labor

17 vacancies: Hartford, CT; Boston, MA; Baltimore, MD; New York, NY; Philadelphia, PA; Pittsburgh, PA; Arlington, VA

Recent Graduate-Equal Opportunity Specialist, Compliance Officer, GS-0360-7-9 , Closes: Thursday, February 10, 2022

• Salary Range: $46,165 – $82,693
• Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Recent graduates

Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

Applications are open for 4 IES Summer Research Methods Workshops. The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is funding four research methods training programs that are holding workshops this summer. These workshops support the training of current education researchers to expand and upgrade their methodological skills. Participants include individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:

• Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.
• Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-individuals located in colleges and universities, state and local education agencies, education-focused organizations, and companies that have developed and deployed education related products and services. The four training workshops include the following:
• Evidence-based Intervention Training for Education: This program trains teams (2-6 people) working together on the use of Evidence-based interventions in school/educational settings. The teams may come from the same school or district and include research partners. The training will be held June 21-24 and follow-up coaching will be provided during the academic year. Applications are due by April 15. See https://u.osu.edu/ebitraining/.

• Economic Analysis: This program will hold two workshops. The first is a 3-day training (July 6-8) designed for state and local analysts who support significant policy decisions and the allocation of educational resources within and across districts. The second is a 5-day training (July 11-15) designed for education researchers who are undertaking or planning to undertake cost-effectiveness and benefit-cost analyses in education.  Applications are due by noon on March 31. See https://www.cbcse.org/ies-methods-training.
• Cluster-Randomized Trials: This program provides training on carrying out rigorous evaluations of the impact of education interventions including planning, implementing, and analyzing data for cluster-randomized trials randomized experiments. The workshop will be held June 20 – 30. Applications are due by March 18. See https://www.ipr.northwestern.edu/events/workshops-training/cluster-randomized-trials.html.
• Meta-analysis: This program will train researchers in state-of-the-art meta-analytic techniques.  The workshop will be held July 24 -30.  Applications are due by March 31. See https://www.meta-analysis-training-institute.com/.

U.S. Department of Energy

MINORITY SERVING INSTITUTIONS PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (MSIPP)POSTDOCTORAL RESEARCH PROGRAM

The Department of Energy Office of Environmental Management (EM) announces the establishment of a Postdoctoral Research Program. This program will provide fixed term postdoctoral research positions at National Laboratories that support the mission of EM. Postdoctoral candidates will have the opportunity to work alongside world-class scientists to solve complex challenges in areas of Advanced Manufacturing, Cybersecurity, Deactivation & Decommissioning, Groundwater & Soil Remediation, Waste Treatment, and other Novel Materials Research.

For more information, please view the flyer here: DOE MSIPP POSTDOC FLYER.pdf

Social Security Administration Fellowship and Grants Opportunities!

The Social Security Administration is offering various fellowship and grant opportunities for students in a variety of disciplines at the Center for Retirement Research at Boston College https://crr.bc.edu/about-us/grant-programs/. Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis from now until the application period closes on January 31, 2022.

We are also offering opportunities in the Analyzing Relationships between Disability, Rehabilitation and Work (ARDRAW) Small Grants Program https://ardraw.policyresearchinc.org/. information webinar on January 13. 2022 and application due date is February 25, 2022 this and additional information is contained on the attached link.  Please market these student opportunities in the Department of Education’s weekly newsletters on a continuous basis.

Office of Trade and Labor Affairs

Join our team as a Pathways Intern! Accepting applications January 19, 2022 – February 11, 2022

As an International Relations Intern-Student Trainee (GS 05-09) you will support the Office of Trade and Labor Affairs (OTLA) on programming, planning, and policy. You will be trained and given opportunity to work on:

• Reviewing of technical assistance, engagement, grant solicitation, and/or remediation strategies and plans designed to advance workers’ rights, working conditions, and/or livelihoods for workers.
• Develops an awareness of established analytical techniques to monitor and analyze countries’ routine/standard deficiencies, compliance, or policies and practices for enforcing their labor laws with respect to international labor standards.
• Supporting colleagues in developing internal policy and making draft recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization.

Attending meetings with senior staff to observe and gain experience with various interactions that involve negotiations, interagency discussions, or other external meetings in regards to policy and program areas.

Learn about ILAB’s Mission and Offices.

Advisory Council on Historic Preservation

The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation invites college students to join us for a four-part webinar series this spring semester, featuring interactive conversations with leaders in the field of historic preservation, as well as inspirational individuals who are engaged in preserving, restoring, interpreting, and discussing the history and heritage of African Americans in the United States through the power of historic sites.

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

• February 23, 5 p.m. ET — Interpreting Enslaved People’s History Into Historic Sites
• March 30, 2 p.m. ET –Preserving African American Burial Sites
• April 27, 5 p.m. ET- Natural Disasters and Their Threat to Historic Preservation

To register for one or more of our FREE webinars, just click on the following link: https://achp.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_DmZEwJcvS2ax7wZQm9rqIg

ACHP Internship Opportunity for Newsletters

Are you, or do you know of, a student interested in the preservation, enhancement, and sustainable use of our nation’s diverse historic resources? The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) in Washington, D.C., has internship opportunities available for undergraduate or graduate students, as well as individuals at an early stage of their career and professional development. A small, independent federal agency, the ACHP oversees the historic preservation review process for federal projects and manages a variety of preservation programs dealing with national preservation policy and legislation, Native American interests, building a more inclusive preservation program, promoting public appreciation of cultural heritage, sustainability, community revitalization, economic development, and youth engagement.

Summer internships generally last 10 weeks/full-time or part-time and will be carried out remotely in 2022. Projects can be designed so that academic credit can be awarded, and professional staff members supervise all interns. The ACHP Foundation provides a stipend equivalent to $15/hour.

Interested applicants should apply using this form and a resume. Send to Judy Rodenstein, Internship Program Coordinator, at jrodenstein@achp.gov. The deadline to apply in Feb. 11, 2022.

U.S. Department of Labor

Career Opportunities in Multiple Regions

Supervisory Equal Opportunity Specialist, Assistant District Director, GS-0360-13,Closes: Wednesday, February 16, 2022

• 2 vacancies: San Diego, CA; Pittsburgh, PA
• Salary Range: $97,378 – $138,171

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• 2 vacancies: Birmingham, AL; Miami-Dade County, FL; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Nashville, TN
• Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703.

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
• Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Technical Expert), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
• Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply- this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13,Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• 2 vacancies: Birmingham, AL; Miami-Dade County, FL; Orlando, FL; Atlanta, GA; Charlotte, NC; Nashville, TN
• Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Regional Liaison), GS-0360-13,Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
• Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,700

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service.

Equal Opportunity Specialist (Technical Expert), GS-0360-13, Closes: Tuesday, February 15, 2022

• 3 vacancies: Phoenix, AZ; Los Angeles County, CA; Orange County, CA; San Diego County, CA; San Francisco County, CA; Hawaii Island, HI; Portland, OR; Seattle, WA
• Salary Range: $94,373 – $150,703

Link to Apply – this announcement is open to Individuals with disabilities; Federal employees – Competitive service

Institute for Education Sciences

INSTITUTE OF EDUCATION SCIENCES, UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.  JOB OPPORTUNITIES IN THE OFFICE OF SCIENCE: IES’ Office of Science is seeking professionals in education-related fields to join our team. The Office of Science, Standards and Review team is responsible for the scientific peer review of IES reports and for overseeing the scientific peer review of applications to research grant competitions. Information about the Office of Science is available here: https://ies.ed.gov/director/sro/index.asp.

Two excepted service position announcements have been posted on USAJOBS: Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0003) and Associate Education Research Scientist (announcement number IES-2022-0004); both are 3-year term appointments with possible 3-year extensions. The Office of Science is particularly interested in mid-career candidates who meet the qualifications described in the Education Research Scientist announcement (https://www.usajobs.gov/job/633808700).

These positions opened on Friday, January 28, 2022, and will close on Monday, February 28, 2022 or as soon as 200 applications have been received, whichever is earlier. If you are interested, please submit your application through USAJOBS as soon as possible.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Career & Internship Vacancies

To view and apply for FWS positions, please click here: FWS Vacancy Announcements. If you have a question about a specific position vacancy, please contact the Human Resources point of contact listed at the bottom of the announcement.

For more information about FWS careers and available internship opportunities, please visit our FWS Recruitment Opportunities page. You can also explore and learn more about the careers we have at FWS and others within the Department of the Interior by clicking here.

Clean Energy Corps

The Department of Energy has launched the Clean Energy Corps to help support the implement of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law . The Clean Energy Corps will enlist more than 1,000 new employees to take DOE’s efforts to usher in a clean-energy revolution to the next level. The Clean Energy Corps is a diverse group of talented individuals committed to public service and with a mission of supercharging the clean energy revolution.  This is YOUR opportunity to join us in making that future a reality. Regardless of whether you are new to clean energy, or have been doing this work for years — we want YOU as part of our Clean Energy Corps.

National Museum of African American History and Culture is Hiring!

Meaningful internships offering hands-on experience in digital preservation of African American history and culture.

Deadline is February 15, 2022. See attached flyer!

University Student Research Challenge (USRC)

Amendment 2 to the NASA ARMD Research Opportunities in Aeronautics (ROA) 2021 NRA has been posted on the NSPIRES web site.

University Student Research Challenge (solicitation NNH21ZEA001N-USRC) seeks to challenge students to propose new aeronautics ideas/concepts that are relevant to NASA Aeronautics.  USRC will provide students, from accredited U.S. colleges or universities, with grants for their projects and includes the challenge of raising cost share funds through a crowdfunding campaign.  The process of creating and implementing a crowdfunding campaign acts as a teaching accelerator – requiring students to act like entrepreneurs and raise awareness about their research among the public.

The solicitation goal can be accomplished through project ideas such as advancing the design, developing technology or capabilities in support of aviation, by demonstrating a novel concept, or enabling advancement of aeronautics-related technologies.

Notices of Intent (NOIs) are not required for this solicitation.  Three-page proposals for the next USRC cycle are due February 24, 2022. Proposals can also be submitted later and will be evaluated in the third cycle. The due date for the third cycle is June 23, 2022.

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES)

The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) is now accepting applications for its “Improving Pandemic Recovery Efforts in Education Agencies” grant program. The program seeks to counteract instructional and learning loss encountered by many learners during the COVID-19 pandemic by establishing two research networks: one examining recovery activities in Pre-K through Grade 12, and the other examining recovery activities in community colleges. IES is particularly interested in supporting research that addresses learning acceleration and recovery for underrepresented student subgroups that were disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2022. For more information, refer to the Request for Applications listed here or on grants.gov.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

HUD Awards More Than $51 Million in Housing Counseling Grants

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on Monday awarded $51.4 million in housing counseling grants to 177 HUD-approved housing counseling agencies and intermediary organizations. The funding supports housing counseling agencies in their critical work to stem the tide of the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on housing, maintain housing stability by helping families with foreclosure and rental eviction prevention, and help families make more informed housing choices. The awards also include funding to further training and education to attract and retain more housing counseling professionals. Read more information about the grants, including a list of grantees, here.

National Science Foundation

Present Your Work at the 2022 STEM for All Video Showcase on Access, Inclusion & Equity: Feb 11 Deadline to Register as a Presenter

The 2022 STEM for All Video Showcase presenter registration is open until February 11th. From May 10-17, 2022, thousands will visit the virtual showcase from around the world, reviewing short videos of federally funded projects to improve STEM teaching and learning.  Presenters will have the opportunity to showcase their work in a short video and connect with researchers, educators, policymakers, and parents. See some previous NSF INCLUDES project examples. Registration is mandatory for this event.

Appalachian Regional Commission

Appalachian Regional Commission Seeks Applicants Addressing Substance Use Disorder Recovery-to-Work Efforts. $10 million available for ARC INSPIRE Initiative Grants to Help Appalachian Communities and Economies Thrive

WASHINGTON, D.C., January 24, 2022—Today, the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), a federal-state partnership working to strengthen economic growth and community development in 13 Appalachian states, issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for its INvestments Supporting Partnerships In Recovery Ecosystems (INSPIRE)

Initiative. The grant program addresses the region’s substance use disorder crisis with investments of $10 million in the creation and expansion of a recovery ecosystem that helps facilitate workforce entry and re-entry.

Letters of Intent (LOI) for implementation grants up to $500,000 and planning grants up to $50,000 under INSPIRE are due March 3, 2022. The deadline for final applications is March 24, 2022. Award announcements are anticipated to be made in early August 2022. Additional information regarding the application process is available at arc.gov/sud-how-to-apply/.

U.S. Department of Defense

The DoD Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI) Summer Research Program is open for applications. Sponsored by the DoD HBCU/MI Program, the Summer Research Program provides a bridge between the classroom and real-world experiences and aims to increase the number of underrepresented scientists and engineers throughout the DoD. The summer program encourages students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) disciplines, guides them toward advanced studies, and prepares them for careers in science and engineering fields important to the defense mission. Students, both undergraduate and graduate, will participate in the program for 11 weeks and will be placed in DoD facilities across the nation. Students conduct research relevant to the defense mission under the supervision of DoD scientists and engineers. The program is from May 31, 2022, to August 12, 2022.

Applications are open to full-time HBCU/MI students or recent graduates. The deadline to submit applications is February 15, 2022 at 11:59 PST. The application website is available here: https://www.dodhbcumiinternship.com/

U.S. Department of Transportation

Funding Opportunities

The Department of Transportation (DOT) currently has three (3) Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFO) that will be open for the next two (2) months. We would like to make sure these NOFOs are circulated to HBCUs located in the following states noted below.  These NOFOs are being announced  to establish and support regional Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC) to provide business training, technical assistance, and information to DOT grantees and recipients, prime contractors, and subcontractors.

DOT NOFO Funding Opportunities:

• Central Regional Small Business Transportation Resource Center NOFO
• States: Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Mississippi
• Mid-Atlantic Regional Small Business Transportation Resource Center NOFO
• States: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey , Pennsylvania
• Southwest Regional Small Business Transportation Resource Center NOFO
• States: Arizona, California, Hawaii, and Nevada

Economic Development Agency

Good Jobs Challenge

EDA’s American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge aims to get Americans back to work by building and strengthening systems and partnerships that bring together employers who have hiring needs with other key entities to train workers with in-demand skills that lead to good-paying jobs. Through the Good Jobs Challenge, EDA is allocating $500 million to collaborative skills training systems and programs.

EDA encourages efforts to reach historically underserved populations and areas, communities of color, women, and other groups facing labor market barriers such as persons with disabilities, disconnected youth, individuals in recovery, individuals with past criminal records, including justice impacted and reentry participants, serving trainees participating in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC), and veterans and military spouses. These systems and partnerships will create and implement industry-led training programs, designed to provide skills for and connect unemployed or underemployed workers to existing and emerging job opportunities. Ultimately, these systems are designed to train workers with the skills to secure a union job or a quality job that provides good pay, benefits, and growth opportunities.

GOOD JOBS CHALLENGE APPLICATIONS NOW DUE THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 10 AT 11:59P.M. ET. – https://eda.gov/arpa/good-jobs-challenge/

National Endowment for the Arts

Research Funding Opportunities. Guidelines are available for two funding programs offered through the National Endowment for the Arts’ Office of Research & Analysis:

• Research Grants in the Arts funds research studies that investigate the value and/or impact of the arts, either as individual components of the U.S. arts ecology or as they interact with each other and/or with other domains of American life. Matching/cost share grants of $10,000 to $100,000 will be awarded.
• NEA Research Labs funds transdisciplinary research teams grounded in the social and behavioral sciences, yielding empirical insights about the arts for the benefit of arts and non-arts sectors alike. Matching/cost share grants of $100,000 to $200,000 will be awarded. Application guidelines for the present round of funding are available on the Arts Endowment website. The upcoming deadline for both programs is March 28, 2022. The NEA will conduct a live webinar on February 9, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (ET) featuring an overview presentation followed by a Q&A session. Register for the webinar; an archive will be added to the Applicant Resources page. Questions should be directed to the Office of Research & Analysis staff at nearesearchgrants@arts.gov.

NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations

The NASA SBIR and STTR 2022 Phase I Program Solicitations are now open, with proposals due by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET.

The annual NASA SBIR and STTR Phase I solicitations are your invitation to join a community of NASA experts, small businesses, and research institutions who are researching and developing the technologies of tomorrow. If selected, you could be awarded up to $150,000 to further develop your technology idea. And Phase I is just your start…you can receive up to $1.15 million during your first three years, plus up to nearly $3 million or more through our Post Phase II opportunities. Here are a few tips to help you get started on your submission:

1. Carefully read the solicitation(s) you’re applying to, including:

• Chapter 2, which has information about how to complete the Small Business Administration (SBA) and SAM.gov registration processes: SBIR | STTR
• Chapter 9, which contains the Focus Area and Subtopics that you will need to choose from: SBIR | STTR

2. Attend the January 20^th “Dissecting the Solicitations” webinar. A recording will be posted on the program’s website if you are unable to attend.

3. Consider applying for the Innovation Corps (I-Corps) Program and/or Technical and Business Assistance (TABA), which help small businesses commercialize their innovations through additional funding and other support. You’ll be able to indicate interest in either one when submitting your proposal.

4. Review other materials available on the NASA SBIR/STTR program website, such as:

• The Firm Templates, which will get you familiar with required forms
• The Resource Library, especially the “Preparing for a Phase 1 submission to increase likelihood of award” section We look forward to receiving your proposals by March 9, 2022, at 5:00 pm ET

U.S. Department of Agriculture

About the Farm to School Grant Program On an annual basis, USDA awards competitive Farm to School grants that support planning, developing, and implementing farm to school programs. USDA’s Farm to School grants are an important way to help state, regional, and local organizations as they initiate, expand, and institutionalize farm to school efforts.

FY2022 Request for Applications (RFA) Now Available!

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Farm to School Grant Program RFA is now available through www.Grants.gov. Be sure to visit the Grant Applicants Resources page to access other helpful resources, including links to webinars that provide specific assistance on applying for a Farm to School Grant.

Application Period Opens for Rural Business Development Grants

The Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a competitive grant designed to support targeted technical assistance, training, and other activities leading to the development or expansion of small and emerging private businesses in rural areas that have fewer than 50 employees and less than $1 million in gross revenues.

Rural public entities are eligible to apply, including but not limited to: towns/local government, state agencies, authorities, nonprofit corporations, institutions of higher education, federally-recognized Tribes, and rural cooperatives (if organized as a private nonprofit corporation).    RBDG funds must be used for projects that benefit rural areas or towns outside the urbanized periphery of any city with a population of 50,000 or more.

Applications must be submitted to Rural Development by February 28, 2022, 4:30 p.m. local time.

Learn more about what we do at www.ed.gov/whhbcu. Have suggestions or comments? Send them to oswhi-hbcu@ed.gov 

If you wish for your organizations announcements to be included in our weekly distribution, please email: HBCUnewsletter@ed.gov