Federal Agencies Offer Grants for Rural Career Programs
Published Date: 5/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The Department of Labor and Education are teaming up to offer up to $2.5 million in grants to help rural colleges create career programs that lead to good jobs, especially in tech and AI skills. Schools and organizations in rural areas have until June 23, 2026, to apply and boost student success in high-demand careers. This is a big chance to make education and work better connected in small communities!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Grants up to $2.5M for rural colleges
The Departments of Education and Labor are offering grants under the Rural Postsecondary and Economic Development (RPED) program with a maximum award of $2,500,000 for an entire 48-month project period. Eligible applicants in rural areas must submit complete proposals through Grants.gov by 11:59:59 p.m. Eastern time on June 23, 2026 (Assistance Listing Number 84.116W).
Funding prioritized for AI, career pathways
The FY2026 RPED competition includes priorities such as Applicants Serving Rural Areas, Work-based Learning, Career Pathways and Workforce Readiness, Returning Education to the States, and Promoting Development of AI Literacy Skills. Grants will favor projects that develop career pathways aligned to high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand regional industries and occupations.
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