STEM Talent Challenge

OVERVIEW

EDA is seeking applications from eligible applicants to create and implement innovative science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) apprenticeship models that complement their respective region’s innovation economy. The STEM Talent Challenge is authorized under Section 28 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. § 3723).

The STEM Talent Challenge seeks to develop or expand regional workforce capacity to support high-growth, high-wage entrepreneurial ventures, industries of the future (which usually includes industries that leverage emerging technologies), and other innovation driven businesses that have a high likelihood of accelerating economic competitiveness and job creation in their respective regions and in the United States.

(Click to enlarge)

The STEM Talent Challenge is designed to help communities with two activities – planning and development, and program implementation. A total of $2 million has been appropriated for this program and EDA invites applications that maximize impacts across both activities within this program, though planning and development activities are optional.

FY20 STEM Talent Challenge Awardees

The inaugural STEM Talent Challenge funding opportunity aimed to help build STEM workforce readiness through creative work-and-learn models and spur innovation across the nation. In January 2021, the seven STEM Talent Challenge awardees were announced. Awardees include nonprofits, a Native American tribal government, a community college, universities, and entrepreneurship-focused organizations with projects in emerging and transformative sectors such as space commerce, aeronautics, digital manufacturing, biotechnology, advanced manufacturing and cybersecurity.

• View the FY20 STEM Talent Challenge awardees here.

APPLICANT RESOURCES

• Apply here for the 2020 STEM Talent Challenge
• 2020 STEM Talent Challenge NOFO (PDF)
• 2020 STEM Talent Challenge 1-pager / executive summary (PDF)
• 2020 STEM Talent Challenge FAQ (PDF)
• STEM Talent Challenge Informational Webinar
• STEM Talent Challenge Informational Webinar Slides (PDF)
• 2020 Budget Template example (PDF)

UPDATES

Join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #STEMtalentchallenge

To stay up-to-date on the latest innovation and entrepreneurship program news, including announcements of any future funding opportunities, please check OIE's Highlights page regularly and sign up for EDA’s newsletter.