Stanislaus Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund Grant

The Stanislaus Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund, managed by BEAM Circular, offers grants between $5,000 and $100,000 to enhance bioeconomy career training in Stanislaus County. With up to $800,000 available, the fund aims to create job readiness and support underserved communities through STEM education and career pathways. Projects funded will focus on sustainable impacts, including curriculum development and work-based learning programs, ensuring local workers are equipped with relevant skills for the growing bioeconomy sector.

Note: Grants will be reviewed and awarded in three rounds, or until all funds are allocated—whichever comes first.
Program Information
BEAM Circular seeks proposals for grants of between $5,000 to $100,000 to develop and expand bioeconomy career exposure and training programs in Stanislaus County. Up to $800,000 in grant funding is available for awards through the Stanislaus County Bioeconomy Workforce Development Fund. The Fund supports projects that advance access to good jobs and bioeconomy career readiness in underserved communities. This grant program is managed by BEAM Circular and supported by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding from Stanislaus County.
As the region’s bioeconomy sector grows and employment opportunities within it are created, it is important that local students and workers have access to training opportunities that align with industry needs. This funding will accelerate the adoption of industry-relevant exposure programming across the county, support inclusive access to opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM), and strengthen local worker readiness for good jobs in bio-based manufacturing.
Grant Focus and Selection Criteria
Grants may be used to develop or adopt curriculum, create paid internship and work-learning programs, offer hands-on training opportunities, launch career pathway programs, and/or support teacher/faculty professional development aimed at launching and expanding programs aligned with the bioeconomy sector.
Support STEM success and career readiness among underserved and first-generation students.Develop bioeconomy-relevant skills and pathways to good jobs for local workers, including displaced individuals and those (re)entering the workforce.
Given that this is a one-time grant funding opportunity, preference will be given to projects that use funds for one-time costs that will have long-term impact in our community, and projects that include a clear plan for sustaining ongoing operational and programming costs.
Funds may be used to advance projects and capacity in the following areas:
K–12 STEM and Career and Technical Education (CTE) ProgramsHigh School to College PathwaysFast-Track and Stackable Credential Training ProgramsWork-Based Learning, Apprenticeships, and On-the-Job TrainingProfessional Development for Educators

Eligibility

Projects must be deployed in Stanislaus County. Educational institutionslocal governmental entities and school districts501(c)3 nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants must serve one or more target beneficiary populations.