Request for Proposals

Written By Margaret Davenport

Seeking Training Providers for Registered Apprenticeship Programs (Greater New Orleans)

YouthForce NOLA is seeking training providers to expand or relaunch Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in the Greater New Orleans area. This opportunity is funded through a $4 million U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant aimed at increasing apprenticeship access and enrollment for young people ages 16–24.

Funding Available: Up to $350,000

Project Period: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027

Application Deadline: May 15, 2026, 3:00 PM CT

Who Should Apply: YouthForce NOLA is looking to partner with organizations that would like to expand or restart a Registered Apprenticeship Program serving the Greater New Orleans area in the fields of Skilled Crafts, Health Sciences, Digital Media/IT, and Business Services.

Eligible applicants will:

  • Commit to growing their RAP enrollment by at least 10 individuals in the window July 2026 - June 2027

  • Serve youth ages 16–24

  • Offer wages of at least $15/hour (in-school youth) or $16/hour (post-high school participants)

  • Have experience delivering programming in the Greater New Orleans area

  • Maintain active employer partnerships

For the full set of eligibility requirements, see the full Request for Proposal and our Frequently Asked Questions.

Key Dates:

  • May 8, 2026, 3 PM CT: Notice of intent to apply (optional but preferred)

  • May 15, 2026, 3 PM CT: Application deadline

  • June 3, 2026: Finalist interviews completed

  • June 15, 2026: Optional site visits completed

  • June 26, 2026: Award notifications issued

Interested applicants should review the full Request for Proposal (linked here) and reach out to sade@youthforcenola.org and nolaleads@youthforcenola.org with questions.

Margaret Davenport
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