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Please see the full solicitation for complete information about the funding opportunity. Below is a summary assembled by the Research & Innovation Office (RIO).ÌýNote the cost-share requirements referenced in the Award Section below.

Program Summary

Through the 2025 NSTC Workforce Awards Program, Natcast seeks to invest in programs that prepare Americans for careers in the semiconductor industry. Through this program, the NSTC scales existing programs and funds pilot programs that address critical workforce needs within the semiconductor industry in the U.S. This program will specifically focus on closing workforce and skills gaps in the United States for researchers, engineers, and technicians across semiconductor design, manufacturing, and production.

Illustrative examples of evidence-based workforce development strategies and methodologies that may be considered for this program include, but are not limited to initiatives that:

• Support paid work-based learning, including registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs;
• Issue industry-recognized credentials;
• Confer semiconductor industry-relevant degrees, such as undergraduate or graduate programs in computer engineering, electrical engineering, technology, informatics, computer programming, chemical engineering, or industrial engineering, offered by two- or four-year colleges or universities;
• Modernize or create curriculum, including with direct input from employers;
• Combine on-the-job training, industry-aligned curriculum, effective classroom instruction, mentorship, credentialing, and/or recognized wage gains for demonstrated skills milestones;
• Provide training integrated with additional supports that reduce barriers to entry in program participation (i.e. transportation);Ìý Ìý
• Enhance the capacity and skills of educators; and
• Facilitate experiential learning opportunities such as worker cooperatives, externships, internships, or capstone projects.

Because of the variety of workforce needs within the semiconductor industry, Natcast is seeking proposals that are aligned with the demonstrated needs of one or more industry employers and provide evidence of an employer’s or multiple employers’ commitment(s) to support the project.

Deadlines

• CU Internal Deadline: 11:59pm MT July 28, 2025
• Sponsor Intent Form Deadline: 3:00pm MT August 11, 2025
• Sponsor Application Deadline (by invitation): 3:00pm MT October 15, 2025

Internal Application Requirements (all in PDF format)

• Project Overview (500 words maximum): Please include: 1) A summary of the proposed project, including a project title, requested funding amount, project timeline, and a brief description of the project’s activities; 2) A summary of the proposed project’s alignment with this CFP’s goal of improving access to jobs or skills across semiconductor manufacturing, design, and/or production; 3) The target workforce segment and geographic area affected; 4) Any subawardees, contractors, and other key collaborators; 5) Alignment with this funding opportunity’s goal of improving training and access to jobs or skills across semiconductor manufacturing, design, and/or production; 6) A summary of anticipated outcomes, including the number of participants intended to be served (see Section 4.4.5 of the solicitation for more information); and 7) A description of leveraged funding strategy (see Section 4.4.10 of the solicitation Leveraged Funding Strategies for more information).
• Project Design (800 words maximum):ÌýDescribe the proposed project and services, including outreach and recruitment methods. Clearly state the project’s focus and theory of change. Outline the project type, duration, skills to be gained, and credentials to be awarded – indicating whether they are stackable and part of a career pathway. Summarize any past success using similar methods, including outcomes, lessons learned, and how project goals will be achieved. The description must also include: 1)ÌýEvidence-based strategies; 2) Partners and stakeholders (including which entity will provide the employer letter of support); and 3) Maturity of the project and partnerships.
• PI Curriculum Vitae
• Budget Overview (1 page maximum): A basic budget outlining project costs is sufficient; detailed OCG budgets are not required. Applicants must identify the source of cost-share or matching funds in the budget overview and include the names of individuals (and their affiliation) that have committed to providing this support.

To access the online application, visit:

Eligibility

The program is open to for-profit and non-profit organizations that are incorporated in the United States (including U.S. territories) with their principal place of business in the United States (including U.S. territories), accredited institutions of higher education located in the United States, and U.S. state, territory, and local government agencies. Individuals and unincorporated businesses are not eligible, nor are foreign entities, without a written exception from Natcast. Foreign entities of concern are also ineligible to participate in this CFP.

Limited Submission Guidelines

Only one proposal per lead applicant will be accepted.

Award Information

• Award Amount: $500K – $2M
• Award Duration: 1 – 2 years
• Anticipated Number of Awards: 10 – 20

Note: A minimum of 10% of the cost of the project must be funded by external sources or the applicant organization.

Review Criteria

Please reference the for the full review criteria for the intent form and proposal.Ìý