Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant

Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Kansas Department of Commerce
Amount: Up to US $100,000
Last Updated: August 22, 2025

Summary

The Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant aims to enhance the state's workforce by supporting Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils, educational institutions, and businesses that can demonstrate a commitment to increasing apprenticeship opportunities. Applicants must show how their projects align with industry demands and contribute to workforce growth. A 1:1 matching fund is required, ensuring that programs can expand effectively. The grant focuses on established programs with a proven track record, fostering long-term sustainability and job creation in Kansas.

Overview

About the Kansas Department of Commerce As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine. 2025 Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Project Grant The Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking grant applications from eligible Joint Apprenticeship Training Councils (including Labor Unions), state educational institutions (as defined by K.S.A 76-711), businesses, non-profits or workforce boards for projects that will attract and retain employees and build the state workforce through registered apprenticeship. Applications should clearly demonstrate the linkage between the project, industry demand, apprentice training, and apprentice recruitment. Applicants are required to provide a 1:1 match for every grant dollar requested. Matching dollars can include FTE costs. KDC reserves the right to award all or parts of the request based on funding limitations. The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship remains committed to addressing the state’s high-wage, high-demand workforce needs through the continued development and support of Registered Apprenticeship programs. This year, changes to the program criteria emphasize strategic growth and scalability. Funds may be used for a variety of operational and expansion needs, such as hiring business support specialists, marketing efforts, purchasing training equipment, and other services that enable programs to broaden their reach and impact. Given that Registered Apprenticeship programs in Kansas currently do not receive regular state funding and have remained self-sufficient, this grant provides critical access to capital to expedite program growth and long-term sustainability.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. To be eligible for funding, apprenticeship programs must have at least five active apprentices and present a proposal that demonstrates how the requested funds will increase the number of new apprentices by at least 10% year over year.This is the 3rd grant opportunity utilizing this state funding and is designed specifically to support established Registered Apprenticeship programs and is not intended for the creation of entirely new apprenticeship entities. Eligible Entities: State of Kansas Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAPIDS number that starts with KS) Must have been established for at least 1 year (established in 2024 or earlier) Must have 5 active apprentices at time of application (validated through RAPIDS) Must be in good standing with the Kansas Office of Apprenticeship Must have an established Kansas address and in good standing with the Kansas Department of Revenue