State of Montana Newsroom
Montana DLI Announces Workforce Funding Opportunity Through 406 JOBS Initiative
HELENA, Mont. - The Montana Department of Labor & Industry (DLI) announced today a competitive funding opportunity under the state’s 406 JOBS initiative, aimed at expanding workforce training and education opportunities across Montana.
Through this opportunity, the Department’s Workforce Services Division (WSD) is seeking innovative proposals from organizations ready to help build Montana’s future workforce through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth services, as well as WIOA Title II Adult Education and Family Literacy Act (AEFLA) services.
“DLI is looking for strong partnerships and innovative solutions that align with the goals of the 406 JOBS initiative,” said Sarah Swanson, Commissioner of Labor and Industry. “We are looking for proposals that expand career pathways, strengthen local talent pipelines, and help more Montanans connect to high-demand careers.”
Services may include:
- Career coaching and workforce training
- Work-based learning, Registered Apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship opportunities
- AI literacy and skill development
- Youth employment and education services
- Adult education, literacy, and English language instruction
- High school equivalency preparation
WIOA Title I funding will support Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth programs, while WIOA Title II AEFLA funding will support adult education and literacy services that help Montanans gain the skills needed for long-term success. Applicants are asked to align proposals with the goals of 406 JOBS and America’s Talent Strategy.
“We are inviting a broad group of stakeholders to consider how they can partner with the state workforce system in new and exciting ways,” said Swanson. “We’ve changed our approach to WIOA funding and are challenging workforce partners to offer up truly innovative ideas that will empower Montanans through work and opportunity.”
Total funding available is approximately $6 million per program year. The Department intends to award two‑year subawards covering program years 2026 (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027) and 2027 (July 1, 2027-June 30, 2028), subject to satisfactory performance and the availability of federal funds. At the conclusion of this period of performance, the Department anticipates issuing a new competitive funding opportunity for PY28 subawards. Key dates include:
- Funding opportunity released: May 7, 2026
- Proposals due: June 8, 2026
- Anticipated award start: July 1, 2026
Additional application materials, eligibility information, and regional service maps are available at State Workforce Innovation Board.
Additional details on 406 JOBS and America’s Talent Strategy can be found at: