WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Departments of Education and Labor announced Tuesday the launch of a new federal grant competition aimed at expanding access to postsecondary education and workforce training programs, including registered apprenticeships. The Fiscal Year 2026 competition for the Talent Search Program is the first under a broader partnership between the two agencies designed to better align education pathways with workforce needs.

According to the announcement, the grants will be administered through the Department of Labor’s GrantSolutions platform, marking a shift toward centralized management of postsecondary and workforce development programs. Officials say the effort is intended to streamline services and improve coordination between federal education and job training systems.

The rollout also signals the start of the Department of Education’s 2026 grant cycle for Federal TRIO Programs, with additional funding opportunities expected later this year. The agencies said the collaboration builds on earlier agreements to share resources and reduce administrative overlap across federal programs.

Federal officials pointed to an ongoing shortage of skilled workers nationwide as a driving factor behind the initiative, emphasizing the need to connect students with training that leads to higher-wage careers. The partnership is expected to include ongoing guidance for grant recipients as the program is implemented.