The Indigenous Growth in New and Innovative Trade Employment (IGNITE) grant pilot program will provide a competitive, discretionary grant under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), Office of Indian Services (OIS), Division of Workforce Development (DWD) Job Placement and Training program. IGNITE will fund implementation-ready Tribal workforce development programs that prepare participants for employment in construction and infrastructure trades and emerging technology sectors, including advanced manufacturing, digital fabrication, artificial intelligence, drone and geospatial systems, and STEM-based workforce training.
The program supports Tribal-led workforce models that provide direct pathways to employment, apprenticeship placement, and industry-recognized credentials, while aligning with local and regional economic priorities and workforce needs.
What You Need
Application and Submission Information
Applications must be submitted via email to JPTignite@bia.gov. This funding opportunity will NOT be administered through Grants.gov. A complete application package must include:
- program narrative
- budget and budget justification
- description of the selected workforce pathway or pathways
- documentation demonstrating implementation readiness
- partnership documentation, a supportive services plan
- and a description of expected outcomes.
Applicants are expected to provide sufficient detail to demonstrate that the proposed project is fully developed and capable of immediate implementation upon award.
How to
Next Steps
Technical Assistance Webinars
To support prospective applicants, BIA will host Technical Assistance (TA) webinars during the application period. These sessions will provide an overview of the funding opportunity, eligibility requirements, application process, implementation-ready workforce strategies, allowable activities, and frequently asked questions.
Subject matter experts representing construction and infrastructure trades, advanced manufacturing, STEM education, emerging technologies, and workforce development may participate to provide informational presentations regarding implementation-ready workforce models and career pathways.
Webinar dates, registration information, presentation materials, and frequently asked questions will be posted to this webpage as they become available.
Please continue to monitor this webpage for program updates, technical assistance announcements, and additional applicant resources throughout the application period.
