The Advanced Manufacturing Talent Investment Program and Fund, established pursuant to section 23.1-1244 of the Code of Virginia, was created to increase the number of trained individuals entering advanced manufacturing careers and to improve the readiness of graduates to be employed in identified advanced manufacturing fields. Funds will be allocated to existing programs that serve the Hampton Roads and Southwest Virginia regions (GO Virginia Regions 1 and 5) and other named institutions.

Funding was approved by the 2022 General Assembly through Budget Amendments – HB30 (Conference Report), Item 487.50 #1c. $2,500,000 was designated for a pilot fund in FY23-24. The first request for proposals (RFP) was announced in the summer of 2023, and awards were made that fall. A second RFP has been announced for spring of 2024. In this round, individual programs may apply for grants between $100,000 and $500,000. The Virginia Economic Development Partnership will distribute the funds.

Contacts

Rachel O'Brien
Virginia Office of Education Economics

Eligibility

Program Eligibility

  • Funds will be awarded to existing programs that serve advanced manufacturing needs.

  • Funds may not be used to develop new programs.

  • Programs must serve the Hampton Roads or Southwest Virginia region.

They should be operated by one or more of the following:

  • A comprehensive community college
  • A career and technical education program operated by a local school board or a group of school boards
  • The Institute of Advanced Learning and Research
  • The New College Institute
  • Richard Bland College
  • The Roanoke Higher Education Center
  • The Southern Virginia Higher Education Center
  • The Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center

Applicant programs should not duplicate underutilized programs in the same region.

Project Eligibility

Funds will be awarded for projects that meet at least one of the two Advanced Manufacturing Talent Investment Program objectives.

  • Objective 1: Increase the number of trained individuals entering advanced manufacturing careers.
  • Objective 2: Improve the readiness of graduates to be employed in identified advanced manufacturing fields.

Projects that meet Objective 1 could:

  • Increase the capacity of programs. Programs must demonstrate that there is demand for additional spaces.
  • Improve student retention and/or completion.
  • Enhance interest in the program through marketing, outreach, advising, etc.
  • Attract and hire qualified instructors.
  • Expand or develop online and technology-enabled learning
  • Purchase equipment to enhance the capacity of programs.

Projects that meet Objective 2 could:

  • Better align the program to meet demonstrated industry and/or employer demand.
  • Refine and/or expand curricula (e.g., through the development of competency-based education).
  • Develop new or enhance work-based learning opportunities.
  • Attract and hire qualified instructors.
  • Provide Professional Development for faculty to enhance the skills and competencies taught in the program.
  • Purchase equipment to enhance the skills and competencies taught in the program.

All projects must include a sustainability plan beyond the grant.

Process

Application

Interested institutions must submit the Advanced Manufacturing Talent Investment Program and Fund grant application. Applications will be accepted from March 1, 2024 through April 15, 2024.

Applications will be submitted via email to the Virginia Office of Education Economics (VOEE). VOEE will convene a selection committee to review proposals and select recipients. The committee will include representatives from VEDP/VOEE, employers and/or associations, and educators from regions and/or institutions ineligible to receive funds. Grant recipients will be notified via an award letter.

Memorandums of Understanding and Disbursement of Funds

Grant recipients will receive Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with their award letters. Applicants are expected to execute the MOUs within 30 days of receipt.

Funds will be disbursed as reimbursements in two installments. Grantees will submit documentation for reimbursement with their interim and final reports (see below).

Awardees must have allocated or spent down funds by December 31, 2024. 

Interim and Final Reports

Grant recipients will be required to submit interim and final reports on their progress towards meeting the selected objective(s) and providing deliverables, as well as their expenditures to date.

Resources

FAQ

Can an institution use grant funds to develop a new program?

No, grant funds may only be used to expand or enhance an existing program.

Can an institution located outside of Go Virginia Regions 1 and 5 apply for a grant?

Yes, eligible institutions may be located outside of Go Virginia Regions 1 and 5, but they must demonstrate that their programs serve those regions.