The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Gulf Research Program (GRP) aims to contribute to the development of a prepared workforce and to increase the scientific literacy of the Gulf States residents who will become the skilled leaders and professionals of tomorrow. This funding opportunity will enable project participants to acquire skills, knowledge, and credentials to enter careers as part of the future energy workforce. This workforce will support the industries and organizations leading the way in introducing new and emerging energy technologies into the economy.

Specifically, the GRP is seeking applications for sustainable, data-driven, industry-engaged projects that will provide education and training opportunities to students ages 16-25 and ready participants to become part of the future energy workforce. This funding opportunity is open to applicants from educational institutions, non-profit organizations, state and local governments, and tribal entities working in the U.S. Gulf States (Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and/or Florida). The applicants should demonstrate how they will partner with local employers and industry associations to use data and evidence to identify skill gaps and labor market needs, design relevant curricula and credentials, and provide education, training, job placement, and/or retention services to participants that will enable those participants to acquire the skills and credentials necessary to join the future energy workforce.

A total of $3M is available for this funding opportunity, with the number of applications being funded dependent on the quality and quantity of applications. Applicants must request between $100,000 and $750,000 for projects, commensurate with the scope of work, that are between 1 and 3 years in duration.

Key Dates

• April 2, 2025: Online application submission opens
• April 30, 2025: Funding Opportunity Question and Answer Session
• June 24, 2025: Submission Help Office Hours
• June 25, 2025: Deadline for submissions of applications due by 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time
• September 2025: Award selection and notification
• November 1, 2025: Anticipated funding start date

Online submission website: https://gulfresearchprogram.smapply.io/