The U.S. Department of Labor has launched a $98 million funding round aimed at expanding pre-apprenticeship opportunities for young people aged 16 to 24, with a new emphasis on AI literacy.
Announced under the YouthBuild 2025 program, the initiative targets communities where many young people are disconnected from the workforce, while updating traditional skills training to reflect growing demand for digital competencies.
Deputy Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling said the funding will support pre-apprenticeships in construction, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare, while strengthening AI education for youth.
“The funding opportunity aligns with America’s Talent Strategy, as well as our goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million apprenticeships nationwide,” he said in a LinkedIn post.
Applicants are now required to integrate AI literacy into the academic portion of their programs and are encouraged to incorporate it into occupational training as well.
The Employment and Training Administration expects to award up to 57 grants, ranging from $1 million to $2 million, to eligible education institutions, nonprofits, and government entities. Applications close March 2, 2026.