Opportunity Information: Apply for FOA ETA 26 38
YouthBuild 2025 is a competitive federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA), designed to help organizations serve "opportunity youth" by connecting them to education, career pathways, and employment. Through this Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA ETA 26 38), DOL plans to fund programs that combine pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training with education and structured job placement services, with the goal of preparing young people for quality jobs across multiple industry sectors. A defining feature of YouthBuild is that it is not just job training in a classroom; it is built around practical, work-based learning that helps participants gain real experience while moving toward long-term employment.
A core requirement of YouthBuild programming is construction training paired with hands-on experience building or rehabilitating affordable housing in the participants' communities. In other words, YouthBuild projects must include a construction component that is directly tied to community benefit through affordable housing work. At the same time, programs may also offer a "Construction Plus" option, which allows grantees to add vocational training in other high-demand industries beyond construction. This structure is meant to broaden employment outcomes so participants can enter a range of career tracks depending on local labor market needs and participant interests.
YouthBuild 2025 also emphasizes wrap-around supportive services, recognizing that barriers like transportation gaps, childcare needs, or unstable housing can prevent young people from completing training or sustaining employment. Grant-funded programs are expected to provide supports such as assistance with transportation, childcare, and housing so participants can stay engaged and successfully transition into work or further training. This combination of skills development, education, work experience, and supportive services is central to how YouthBuild is intended to improve job readiness and placement outcomes.
Eligibility is broad and includes many types of public and nonprofit entities, as well as Tribal governments and Tribal organizations. Eligible applicants listed for this FOA include state, county, city or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); and nonprofits both with and without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education). The FOA also notes that faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply on the same basis as other applicants, and DOL states it will not discriminate in selection or grant administration based on an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof, and it will not treat a religious organization differently than a similarly situated secular organization for conduct that would not otherwise be disqualifying.
From a funding standpoint, this is a discretionary grant program under CFDA 17.274 (Employment, Labor and Training). The award ceiling is up to $2,000,000 per grant, and DOL anticipates making about 57 awards. The opportunity was created on 2025-12-23, and the original application closing date is 2026-03-02. Because this is a competitive process, applicants should expect that proposals will be evaluated against criteria in the full FOA, including details on eligibility, required program elements, and other expectations outlined in Section II.A and elsewhere in the announcement.
For applicants who want updates or clarifications, DOL encourages using the Grants.gov subscription feature to receive future notices tied to this specific FOA. Questions about the announcement can be directed by email to YBFOA-ETA-26-38@dol.gov.Apply for FOA ETA 26 38
- The Employment and Training Administration in the employment, labor and training sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "YouthBuild 2025" and is now available to receive applicants.
- Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 17.274.
- This funding opportunity was created on 2025-12-23.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2026-03-02. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $2,000,000.00 in funding.
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 57 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: State governments, County governments, City or township governments, Special district governments, Independent school districts, Public and State controlled institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments (Federally recognized), Native American tribal organizations (other than Federally recognized tribal governments), Nonprofits having a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Nonprofits that do not have a 501 (c) (3) status with the IRS, other than institutions of higher education, Private institutions of higher education, Others.
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YouthBuild 2025 (FOA ETA-26-38) FAQs
What is YouthBuild 2025?
YouthBuild 2025 is a competitive federal grant opportunity from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA). The program is designed to help organizations serve "opportunity youth" by connecting them to education, career pathways, and employment.
Which agency is offering this funding opportunity?
The opportunity is offered by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employment and Training Administration (ETA).
What is the FOA number for this opportunity?
The Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) is identified as ETA 26 38 (often referenced as FOA ETA-26-38).
Is YouthBuild 2025 competitive or non-competitive?
YouthBuild 2025 is a competitive federal grant opportunity. Applications are expected to be evaluated against criteria described in the full FOA.
What is the overall goal of YouthBuild programs funded under this FOA?
The goal is to prepare young people for quality jobs across multiple industry sectors by combining pre-apprenticeship occupational skills training with education and structured job placement services, with a strong emphasis on practical, work-based learning.
What makes YouthBuild different from traditional classroom job training?
A defining feature is that YouthBuild is not only classroom-based job training. It is built around practical, work-based learning so participants gain real experience while working toward long-term employment.
Is a construction component required?
Yes. A core requirement is construction training paired with hands-on experience building or rehabilitating affordable housing in participants' communities. YouthBuild projects must include a construction component directly tied to community benefit through affordable housing work.
What does the construction component need to focus on?
Based on the FOA description provided, the construction training must be connected to hands-on experience building or rehabilitating affordable housing in the community, making community benefit through affordable housing work a required element.
What is the "Construction Plus" option?
"Construction Plus" allows grantees to add vocational training in other high-demand industries beyond construction. The intent is to broaden employment outcomes so participants can pursue a range of career tracks aligned with local labor market needs and participant interests.
Does YouthBuild 2025 support training for industries beyond construction?
Yes. While construction training tied to affordable housing is required, the "Construction Plus" option allows additional vocational training in other high-demand industries beyond construction.
What types of participant supports are expected under YouthBuild 2025?
YouthBuild 2025 emphasizes wrap-around supportive services to address barriers that can prevent completion of training or sustained employment. Grant-funded programs are expected to provide supports such as assistance with transportation, childcare, and housing so participants can remain engaged and successfully transition into work or further training.
Why are supportive services emphasized in this program?
The FOA highlights that barriers like transportation gaps, childcare needs, or unstable housing can prevent young people from completing training or sustaining employment. Supportive services are central to the YouthBuild model to improve retention, job readiness, and placement outcomes.
What kinds of organizations are eligible to apply?
Eligibility is broad. Eligible applicants listed include: state, county, city, or township governments; special district governments; independent school districts; public and state-controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; federally recognized Native American tribal governments; Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments); and nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status (as long as they are not institutions of higher education).
Are nonprofit organizations eligible if they do not have 501(c)(3) status?
Yes. The FOA indicates nonprofits with or without 501(c)(3) status are eligible, as long as they are not institutions of higher education.
Are institutions of higher education eligible to apply?
Yes. The FOA lists both public and state-controlled institutions of higher education and private institutions of higher education as eligible applicants.
Are Tribal governments and Tribal organizations eligible?
Yes. The FOA lists federally recognized Native American tribal governments and Native American tribal organizations (other than federally recognized tribal governments) as eligible applicants.
Are faith-based organizations allowed to apply?
Yes. The FOA notes that faith-based organizations are encouraged to apply on the same basis as other applicants.
How does DOL address religious character or affiliation in selection and administration?
DOL states it will not discriminate in selection or grant administration based on an organization's religious character, affiliation, exercise, or lack thereof. It also states it will not treat a religious organization differently than a similarly situated secular organization for conduct that would not otherwise be disqualifying.
What is the CFDA number for this program?
This is a discretionary grant program under CFDA 17.274 (Employment, Labor and Training).
What is the maximum award amount (award ceiling)?
The award ceiling is up to $2,000,000 per grant.
How many awards does DOL expect to make?
DOL anticipates making about 57 awards.
When was the opportunity created?
The opportunity was created on 2025-12-23.
What is the application deadline?
The original application closing date is 2026-03-02.
Where can applicants find the evaluation and program requirements?
Applicants should refer to the full FOA for evaluation criteria and requirements, including eligibility details, required program elements, and other expectations outlined in Section II.A and elsewhere in the announcement.
How can applicants receive updates or future notices about this FOA?
DOL encourages applicants to use the Grants.gov subscription feature to receive future notices tied to this specific FOA.
How can questions about the announcement be submitted?
Questions can be directed by email to YBFOA-ETA-26-38@dol.gov.
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| Funding Opportunity |
|---|
| Homeless Veterans’ Reintegration Program (HVRP), Incarcerated Veterans’ Transition Program (IVTP), and the Homeless Women Veterans' and Homeless Veterans' with Children Reintegration Grant Program (HWVHVWC) (referred to collectively Apply for FOA VETS 26 01 Funding Number: FOA VETS 26 01 Agency: Veterans Employment and Training Service Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $500,000 |
| Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program Apply for FOA ETA 26 19 Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 19 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $40,000,000 |
| Strengthening Community Colleges Training Grants (Round 6) Apply for FOA ETA 26 40 Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 40 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $10,800,000 |
| The Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training (RESTART) Initiative Apply for FOA ETA 26 17 Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 17 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $5,100,000 |
| 2026 National Unemployment Insurance Convening Reimbursement Instructions Apply for ETA UIPL 08 26 Funding Number: ETA UIPL 08 26 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $8,000 |
| Talent Search Program Apply for ED GRANT 26 022 Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 022 Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $10,000,000 |
| Educational Opportunity Centers Program (EOC) Apply for ED GRANT 26 024 Funding Number: ED GRANT 26 024 Agency: Office of Postsecondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $3,000,000 |
| Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs – Employment and Training Grants - Youth Apply for FOA ETA 26 20 IY Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 20 IY Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,808,366 |
| Announcement of Enhancements to Identity Verification Services and Funding Opportunity to Support State Costs Associated with Participation in Such Services Apply for ETA UIPL 10 26 Funding Number: ETA UIPL 10 26 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $400,000 |
| Program Year 2026 Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Indian and Native American Programs Employment and Training - Adult Apply for FOA ETA 26 20 IA Funding Number: FOA ETA 26 20 IA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $5,998,062 |
| Teacher and School Leader Incentive Fund 84.374A Apply for DOL OESE 33844 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33844 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Innovative Approaches to Literacy 84.215G Apply for DOL OESE 33831 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33831 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, Round 4 (SAEF4) Apply for ETA TEGL 08 25 Funding Number: ETA TEGL 08 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $8,287,067 |
| CSP Grants to State Entities 84.282A Apply for DOL OESE 33903 Funding Number: DOL OESE 33903 Agency: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: Case Dependent |
| Work Opportunity Tax Credit Initial Funding Allotments for Fiscal Year 2026 Apply for ETA WOTC TEGL 09 25 Funding Number: ETA WOTC TEGL 09 25 Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $1,742,067 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 YOUTH Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 YOUTH Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $156,286,824 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Consolidated Activities Program Allotments for Outlying Areas for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 OA Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 OA Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $936,235 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Dislocated Worker Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 DW Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 DW Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $259,233,111 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Adult Activities Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 ADULT Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 ADULT Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $149,671,359 |
| Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Workforce Information Grants Program Allotments for Program Year (PY) 2026. Apply for ETA TEGL 10 25 WIG Funding Number: ETA TEGL 10 25 WIG Agency: Employment and Training Administration Category: Employment, Labor and Training Funding Amount: $2,446,924 |
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