Workforce Training Grants (AR Office of Skills Development)
Eligibility
Arkansas schools, community colleges, and employers partnering for workforce training. Technology, CS, and CTE pathways are eligible. High school grades 9-12 programs with workforce alignment are a strong fit.
Program Goals
Arkansas Workforce Training Grants fund skills development programs that build career-ready pathways. Technology, computer science, engineering, and skilled trades programs connected to real job opportunities in Arkansas are priorities.
Read the GrantApplication and Distribution
Applications submitted through adecareeredge.com. The fund operates on an open cycle — applications reviewed as received. Employer partnerships strengthen applications.
Cycle Notes
Open cycle — not competitive in the traditional sense. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis. Monitor adecareeredge.com for any priority windows.
Grant Award Amount
Varies by project and number of trainees. The overall fund has $7.2M+ available. Awards scale with program size and participant numbers.
Allowable Purchases
Forward Education Products for This Grant
These kits align to the learning outcomes this program funds.
- Coding for Good Kit — an all-in-one coding, robotics, and AI literacy toolkit using micro:bit for real-world challenges
- CodeCTRL controller with display for micro:bit — a handheld game-style controller for interactive games and physical computing
- Forward Education Learning Platform — curriculum-aligned STEM lessons, coding tutorials, career profiles, and PD courses
- CHARGE Battery Pack for micro:bit — a compact rechargeable power solution that makes micro:bit projects fully portable
Frequently Asked Questions
Can K-12 schools apply for Workforce Training Grants?
Yes — high schools grades 9-12 with CTE or career pathway programs are eligible, especially with employer partnerships.
What is the application process?
Apply through adecareeredge.com. The fund is open cycle — no fixed competitive deadline.
What qualifies as a technology pathway?
CS, coding, robotics, engineering, and IT programs with clear connections to AR workforce needs.
Do we need an employer partner?
Employer partnerships strengthen applications but are not always required. Check current guidelines at adecareeredge.com.
How can Forward Education help?
We can help frame our tools within a workforce-readiness and technology career pathway context that aligns to this fund's goals.
Need Help Writing Your Grant Application?
Forward Education works with schools and districts to build strong funding proposals.
- Curriculum alignment documents — Arkansas standards mapped to our kits
- Program quotes and pricing
- Letters of support
- Project ideas and scope-and-sequence
