Types of Partners
Are there any limitations on the type of employer partner?
No. ETA does not limit the type of employer that may participate as a partner under the grant.
If a project area covers more than one workforce investment board, do all boards need to support project?
The SGA requires that at least one workforce investment system representative serve as a strategic partner. Additionally,
ETA strongly encourages as many partners as necessary from each category to fully represent the community and the entire continuum
of education. Applicants are reminded that the overall depth of strategic partnerships will be evaluated in the scoring
process. Applicants should demonstrate that the right partners are at the table to support strategic planning for this grant
as well as to serve as the foundation for the development and implementation of strategic solutions for the identified industry.
Will a university count as the continuum of education partner?
A university may be counted as a partner representing the continuum of education. In addition to universities, ETA
encourages applicants to develop partnerships with the local K-12 system and other entities in the continuum of education,
wherever possible, in order to create a link between today’s youth and tomorrow’s workforce.
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The SGA requires a foundational strategic partnership that includes representation from the “continuum
of education, including the K-12 public education system, adult education, and 4-year colleges and universities.”
What types of institutions fall into this category? Can you discuss the nature of the relationship, including what
activities and outcomes are expected?
In order to effectively address the workforce challenges related to ensuring that enough workers are trained with the right
skills for the 21st century economy, it is critical that key partners come together on an ongoing basis to identify challenges
and strategically develop and implement solutions. The partnerships should include, at a minimum, business and industry,
the public workforce system, the community college system, and the continuum of education. These partnerships need
to focus on the broader array of workforce challenges in the community and not just potential funding available through this
grant process.
The full continuum of education consists of institutions in the United States that provide education from kindergarten
through advanced degree programs. The K-12 public education system, adult education, community colleges, four year
colleges and universities, and graduate and professional schools are all a part of the continuum of education.
Because the continuum of education contributes to career awareness and workforce education, there are strong reasons to
include them in the context of a workforce strategic partnership. For example, colleges partner with the K-12 system,
implementing dual enrollment programs, articulation agreements with vocational training in high schools, and other joint
education strategies. For this reason, we have specifically identified them as an important planning partner.
The SGA states that entities in the continuum of education are important foundational partners to ensure the project’s
activities are tied to the broader continuum of education in the community. These entities assist in developing and
implementing industry-driven workforce education strategies in partnerships with employers including competency models,
curricula, and new learning methodologies, including technology-based learning.
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Required Partners
The SGA lists four types of partners – community and technical colleges, employers, the continuum of education, and
the workforce investment system. Do I need to have all four partners, or is this an example of the types of partners I
should consider?
To be considered for funding under this SGA, the applicant must demonstrate that the proposed project will be implemented by
a strategic partnership that includes at least one entity from each of the following four types of partners: (1) community
and technical college(s) (please note, a community college applicant will satisfy this category); (2) the workforce investment
system; (3) employers and industry-related organizations, such as associations and unions; and (4) the continuum of education,
including the K-12 public education system, adult education, and 4-year colleges and universities. Please note, while at
least one entity from each category is required, ETA strongly encourages as many partners as necessary from each category to
fully represent the community and the entire continuum of education.
Can additional community colleges or Workforce Investment Boards (WIBS)/One Stop Career Centers be included
as partners in a proposal?
Yes. Applicants may include additional community and technical colleges, as well as WIBs and One Stop Career Centers, as
collaborative partners under a proposal. Please note, while at least one entity from each category is required, ETA strongly
encourages as many partners as necessary from each category to fully represent the community and the entire continuum of education.
Letters of Commitment
The SGA indicates that partners are required to provide letters of commitment. What format should these
letters take, and what information should they contain?
Collaborating partners referenced in the text of the technical proposal must verify their role through a letter of commitment attached
to the proposal. There is no specified format for the letter of commitment, but the letter of commitment must detail the role the
partner will play in the project, including specific responsibilities and resources committed, if appropriate. At minimum,
applicants must include letters of commitment from the required collaborative partners. Letters from additional substantive
partners may also be included.
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