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Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative is sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in partnership with Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border Regional Commission. This initiative addresses critical workforce needs in high-growth and emerging industries across the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions.
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Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities - Delta Regional Authority Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Round 7 Funding Opportunity Number: FOA-ETA-26-23 Application Deadline: July 23, 2026 Award Amount: Approximately $2 million–$8 million Period of Performance: 36 months The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) initiative is a partnership between the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) the Delta Regional Authority (DRA), the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), and the Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC).
The initiative supports industry-driven workforce development strategies that address the workforce needs of employers in high-growth and emerging industries while expanding access to quality employment opportunities for workers in rural communities. Since 2021, organizations serving communities across the DRA region have been awarded 54 WORC grants totaling more than $72.
5 million to strengthen workforce development systems, build regional partnerships, and expand career pathways that support long-term economic growth and resilience. For additional information about the WORC initiative, visit the Employment and Training Administration’s WORC webpage . WORC Round 7 Funding Now Available: The U.S. Department of Labor is currently accepting applications for WORC Round 7.
Eligible applicants may apply for grants ranging from $2 million to $8 million to implement regional workforce solutions that meet the needs of employers and workers throughout eligible rural communities. Applications are due July 23, 2026. Funding Opportunity Announcement Potential Applicant Webcast
According to the current listing, eligibility includes: Eligible entities within the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions. Focuses on regional industry and sector partnerships. Confirm the full requirements in the official notice before applying.
Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities (WORC) Initiative is funded by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (ETA) in partnership with Appalachian Regional Commission, Delta Regional Authority, and Northern Border Regional Commission. Verify program details on the funder's official page before applying.
Start from the official opportunity page linked in this listing — it carries the sponsor's submission instructions.
The Workforce Opportunity for Rural Communities Initiative returns for a seventh round with $49.2M for the Appalachian, Delta, and Northern Border regions — awards of $2M to $8M, an estimated 6 to 24 grants, and a July 23, 2026 deadline. Here is how the three-commission structure works, who is eligible, why WORC 7's shift toward large-scale regional sector partnerships changes who should apply, and how to build a proposal that survives the competition.
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