Funding Amount: $11,300,000
Background Information
The U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Office of Fossil Energy (FE) and Office of Indian Energy notified stakeholders of its plans to launch Energy & Minerals Partnerships for Academic-Industry Career Training (EMPACT), an initiative intended to train and develop America’s energy workforce. EMPACT enhances the nation’s capacity for a highly skilled energy workforce and help establish America’s energy dominance.
The upcoming announcement will offer up to $11.3 million in federal funding for institutions of higher education including trade and vocational schools, colleges, and universities, of which up to $2.3 million will be exclusively for Tribal Colleges and Universities. Awards will facilitate the development of hands-on training and credentialling programs in skillsets supporting the natural gas, oil, coal, and critical minerals industries by establishing regional academic-industry consortia.
EMPACT will be managed by TechWerx in partnership with DOE, a collaboration made possible through an innovative Partnership Intermediary Agreement established by the DOE's Office of Technology Commercialization. This agreement enables TechWerx to broaden DOE’s engagement with innovative organizations and non-traditional partners, facilitating the rapid development, scaling, and deployment of energy solutions.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education including trade and vocational schools, colleges, and universities.
Funding
DOE expects to award up to $11.3 million in federal funding.
Key Dates
DOE plans to open the EMPACT program for submissions in the coming weeks.
Additional Information
Visit the TechWerx website to learn more
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Last Updated: September 23, 2025