New Pennsylvania Workforce Opportunity
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry released the Future Works Grant on September 10, 2026. Approximately $2,000,000 in state Reemployment funds is available for four competitive awards of up to $500,000 each. Applications are due December 9, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET.
Eligibility and Required Partnership
Eligible applicants are Pennsylvania Local Workforce Development Boards with the capacity and experience to support new or expanding businesses. Each application must include at least one committed partner from all six required categories: private-sector employers, organized labor, community colleges or postsecondary institutions, secondary educational institutions, career and technical education entities, and economic development agencies. Unique letters of support are required from each partner category.
Healthcare and Education Relevance
Only businesses in Agriculture, Energy, Life Sciences, Manufacturing, Maritime/Shipbuilding, or Robotics and Technology may be supported. Atlas therefore treats this as a conditional healthcare-workforce opportunity where an LWDB is building a compliant Life Sciences project and has identified a qualifying new or expanding business before application. Required activities include business engagement, workforce-development planning, partnership engagement, and connection to the PA CareerLink system. Training, talent-pipeline development, on-the-job training, and registered apprenticeship strategies may be included.
Allowable Costs and Administration
Reasonable and necessary program costs are allowed. Administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the total request. Indirect costs require an approved indirect-cost rate or de minimis justification. Pre-award costs, building construction, lobbying services, food, and costs unrelated to direct award performance are unallowable. Competitive-bidding documentation must be retained where applicable.
Application Requirements
Applications must be emailed to RA-LI-BWDA-GS@pa.gov with subject line "NGA Application Future Works Grant – Program Year 2026." Questions are due November 24, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. A bidder’s conference is scheduled for October 6, 2026 at 1:00 PM ET. The anticipated performance period is March 1, 2027 through February 28, 2029. Required materials include the application form, project summary, project narrative, letters of support, budget and justification, worker-protection certification, grant action plan, and applicable NAICS identification.
Atlas Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 82/100. N9+ Fit: 8/100. N9+ is not a natural purchase under this workforce-services NGA and should not be forced into the project. A healthcare or Life Sciences connection is legitimate only where the LWDB’s target business and workforce plan fall within the NGA’s allowed Life Sciences NAICS scope. Dr. Miltie is not an eligible direct applicant because the applicant must be an LWDB; a partnership role would require separate validation of the target business, NAICS, and project need.