Go for the Gulf

Funding programs open for energy jobs Gulf of Mexico states

The online proposal submission window is now open for a regional program designed to create jobs for the 'energy transition'.

The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) says it "aims to contribute to the development of a diverse workforce and to increase the scientific literacy of the Gulf citizens who will become the skilled leaders and professionals of tomorrow," adding that "this funding opportunity will enable project participants to acquire skills, knowledge, and credentials to enter careers as part of the future energy workforce. This workforce will support the industries and organizations leading the way in introducing net-zero technologies into the economy."

Specifically, the GRP is seeking proposals for sustainable, data-driven, industry-engaged projects that will provide education and training opportunities to students ages 16-25 and ready participants to become part of the future energy workforce. This funding opportunity is open to applicants from educational institutions, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and tribal entities working in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico states (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and Florida).

The applicants should demonstrate how they will partner with local employers and industry associations to use data and evidence to identify skill gaps and labor market needs, design relevant curricula and credentials, and provide education, training, job placement, and/or retention services to participants that will enable those participants to acquire the skills and credentials necessary to join the future energy workforce. 

A total of $3M is available for this funding opportunity, with the number of proposals being funded dependent on the quality and quantity of applications. Applicants must request at least $75,000 for projects, commensurate with the scope of work, that are up to 24 months in duration. Applicants may request up to $1,000,000, with a preference for projects that are less than $500,000. Applicants that request between $500,000 and $1,000,000 will be subject to an additional Merit Review Criterion and should focus on more transformative projects that have the potential to impact a larger number of students, teachers, classes, school districts, and/or communities. 

Key Dates

• April 3, 2024: Online proposal submission opens

• April 24, 2024: Funding Opportunity Question & Answer Office Hours; 9:00 - 11:00am Central Time / 10:00am - 12:00pm Eastern Time (Held virtually over Zoom)

• June 25, 2024: Grant Submission Help Hours; 12:00 - 3:00 pm Central Time / 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (Zoom link will be sent to active applicants)

• June 26, 2024: Deadline for submissions of proposals due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time

• September 2024: Award selection and notification

• November 1, 2024: Anticipated funding start date

 Online submission website: https://gulfresearchprogram.smapply.io/