STEM Talent Challenge Advances Regional Engineering Workforce Development

The U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is inviting proposals for its STEM Talent Challenge, a competitive grant program designed to strengthen regional STEM workforce pipelines and connect talent development with innovation and industry needs. 

Through awards of up to $500,000, the program supports projects that expand work-based learning, align education and training with local innovation clusters, and increase equitable access to STEM careers in high-growth sectors such as advanced manufacturing, aerospace, and clean energy. 

The initiative highlights the growing role of regional collaboration in developing the next generation of engineers and technicians. By fostering partnerships among universities, workforce boards, and industry, the STEM Talent Challenge helps translate national competitiveness goals into local impact — creating pathways for engineers to lead innovation where they live and work. 

The program requires a 1:1 non-federal match and funds projects for up to 24 months. More details, including eligibility criteria and upcoming application deadlines, are available on the EDA STEM Talent Challenge webpage.