Office of Strategic Workforce Development Updates

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development have announced two available funding opportunities. 

Request for Proposals:

The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Prep, RFP

AI Prep will prepare low-income New Yorkers in cutting edge AI skills with the goal of connecting them with AI internships or jobs at leading New York tech companies. AI Prep will have two dedicated tracks to serve New Yorkers who are currently underrepresented in the tech industry and who cannot reasonably access training on their own.

• Track A: AI Prep 4 Internships will provide low-income matriculating undergraduate students with AI training with the goal of securing paid internship opportunities at leading tech companies.
• Track B: AI Prep 4 Jobs will connect low-income New Yorkers with barriers to employment with AI jobs through an accelerated training or bootcamp that serves as an alternative to traditional degree programs.

OSWD seeks to award contracts to up to two (2) qualified program administrators to develop the curriculum for and to administer AI Prep for Track A and/or Track B

Submission Deadline: 2:00 PM ET on October 1, 2025

This RFP is posted on the Empire State Development website: https://esd.ny.gov/doing-business-ny/requests-proposals/artificial-intelligence-prep-rfp

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development (OSWD) Grant Programs

OSWD manages two grant programs focused on creating and expanding industry-driven training that provides in-demand skills and direct job placements in specifically priority economic sectors that have been identified as high-growth throughout the state. Training programs must lead directly to employment in good jobs that pay minimally a living wage, allow for career and salary growth, provide economic security, and remove the need for public assistance. OSWD’s programs also emphasize creating opportunities for underserved populations, including those not in the labor force, un/underemployed and low-income individuals, and which provide wraparound services to help get trainees to and through training. 

Applications are now open for Round 9 of OSWD grant funding! Final submissions are due no later than Friday, October 17, 2025. Program guidelines and full eligibility details can be found at the links below. Please reach out to [email protected] with any questions, or to set up an introductory meeting with OSWD staff.