New RFP released: Family Learning Pathways to In-Demand STEM Careers

Current education and workforce systems treat children and adults as isolated populations for upskilling, and families furthest from opportunity risk falling even further behind. Imagine the possibilities for designing multigenerational pathways to economic mobility for young people and their parents to get trained and credentialed at the same time. 

The National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) is pleased to announce the launch of Family Learning Pathways to In-Demand STEM Careers, a new initiative that expands access to workforce learning and credentialing across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) for middle and high school students and their parents. 

NCFL will issue three seed grants of up to $50,000 per eligible community to pilot a multigenerational workforce learning program that supports relevant STEM-related education and credentialing for secondary school students (6-12th) and their parents seeking workforce advancement. Over the course of 9 months, award recipients will receive NCFL-led, in-depth training, resources, and ongoing technical assistance to effectively integrate the four-components of family literacy in existing STEM-focused workforce learning and credentialing programs for secondary students and parents. The initiative may start at one of two different entry points—youth-first or adult-first—both designed so students and parenting adults can pursue workforce learning and credentials of value at the same time. As part of the pilot, award recipients will enroll 25 families in skill-building activities tied to in-demand STEM careers, and prepare students and their parents to attain developmentally-appropriate credentials of value.  All three award recipients will be invited to share their learning on a national stage at NCFL’s National 2027 Families Learning Conference.

Who can apply?

Proposed programs or cross-program initiatives must be equipped to provide in-demand career skill-building and credentialing pathways for a minimum of 25 families, including at least one secondary student (grades 6-12) and at least one of their parents or caregivers. Applicants must meet five eligibility requirements to be considered, including geographic proximity to specific cities in the following states: Alabama, Arizona, California, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.

Why Try A Family Literacy Approach to Credentialing?

Career-connected learning and real-world work experiences, such as internships, have been shown to more effectively prepare students for the changing workplace. Even as AI rapidly reshapes the workforce, research by the Association of Science Technology Centers shows that STEM-related and high-skills professions will remain in high-demand, and continue to provide better wages and job security. However, building strong pathways for today’s young people must go beyond technical skills training, and effectively address the growing skills gaps across whole families. NCFL’s evidence-based multigenerational family literacy model cuts through this fragmentation. It puts forth family literacy as a vital regional economic development strategy. Providing opportunities for middle and high school students, along with the adults in their lives who are “upskilling while parenting” creates a multiplier effect for greater economic stability and growth, and everyone benefits.

Benefits to Participation

• Increase multigenerational STEM-learning and credentialing opportunities and outcomes for secondary school students and their families.
• Participate in a national network of education and workforce providers with similar goals, challenges, and opportunities. 
• Learn how to effectively integrate the four-components of family literacy with NCFL-led coaching and technical assistance as a model to strengthen social and economic mobility outcomes for families in your community.
• Gain visibility on a national stage at the National Center for Families Learning Conference in 2027 (location TBD). 

Interested in applying? 

1. Read the full Request for Proposals to learn more about the eligibility requirements and guidelines for submission. Incomplete submissions will not be reviewed.
2. Register for our upcoming informational webinar to learn more about the initiative, eligibility requirements, and the application process and timeline.

Questions?

Contact Sarah Cacicio, NCFL project consultant, at scacicio@familieslearning.org with any questions about eligibility or the application process.