FY26 brownfields job training (JT) grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking applications for the FY26 Brownfields Job Training (JT) Grants, a cooperative agreement program designed to fund training programs that help unemployed and under-employed local residents acquire skills for environmental remediation careers. The program aims to provide graduates with opportunities to obtain jobs in brownfield-related activities, including assessment, cleanup, remediation, and site preparation. Key contract requirements include a mandatory 40-hour HAZWOPER certification and a focus on recruiting individuals from communities disproportionately impacted by environmental challenges. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, local governments, tribes, redevelopment agencies, and regional councils. The EPA will evaluate applications based on criteria outlined in the competitive announcement, with a specific emphasis on serving high-need populations and developing local workforce capabilities. The application deadline is September 26, 2025, with anticipated award notifications in December 2025 and final award notifications in April 2026.

The grant opportunity will award up to 20 grants, with individual grant requests limited to $500,000 and a total funding range between $10,000,000 to $14,000,000. The maximum project period is five years, allowing for comprehensive workforce development initiatives. Grants will be administered through cooperative agreements, with funding intended to support training programs across various environmental remediation sectors. The program specifically targets urban and rural communities nationwide, with a strong emphasis on creating sustainable employment opportunities in environmental cleanup and green infrastructure. While the exact place of performance is not explicitly defined, the grants are designed to support local and regional workforce development efforts in communities with brownfield sites.