Title
Approve letter of support for Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technologies (DART) grant submittal.
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the Board of Supervisors:
Approve letter of support for Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and
Robotics Technologies (DART) grant submittal.
SUMMARY:
The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Talent Challenge aims to build STEM talent training systems to strengthen regional innovation economies. The FY23 STEM Talent Challenge will award a total of $4.5 million in grants to organizations that are creating and implementing STEM talent development strategies that complement their region’s innovation economy.
Projects should aim to identify opportunities in high-growth potential sectors, and to expand and empower the innovation economy workforce, including by:
• Engaging regional entrepreneurs, innovators, and the organizations that support them to assess and forecast current and future talent needs and to develop collaborative solutions with work-based programs;
• Building highly skilled talent and connecting it to highly technical opportunities that foster professional development and provide continuing advanced skills training to develop the technical and scientific workforce that regional innovation initiatives need;
• Strengthening collaboration among entrepreneurs, industry leaders and employers, educational organizations, established corporations, economic and/or workforce development organizations, and the public sector to enable better access to skilled workers and to develop demand-driven workforce pipelines for the innovation economy; and
• Placing new employees into immediate job openings with regional employers in need of STEM talent.
Competition applicants may request up to $500,000 for implementation of a 24-month program. A 1:1 funding match is required.
The STEM Talent Challenge is authorized under Section 28 of the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act of 1980 (15 U.S.C. § 3723).
The Monterey Bay Drone, Automation and Robotics Technologies (DART) has established itself as a leader in advanced manufacturing and STEM education, providing crucial resources and training for the next generation of skilled workers. Through its expanding partnership with Joby Aviation, Farm N-G, and the Salinas Inclusive Economic Development Initiative; The Monterey Bay DART will build a more effective and impactful coalition and improve economic and environmental resiliency in Monterey County.
The potential for this grant to support job growth and workforce development in the region is high. By providing training and resources for high-demand jobs such as advanced manufacturing, the grant will help to create well-paying and sustainable careers that can support families and drive economic growth.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT:
Staff consulted with County Counsel. This letter of support was recommended by the Economic Development Committee.
FINANCING:
Receiving this report has no financial impact.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC INITIATIVES:
Approval of this letter supports the Board approved strategic initiatives.
Mark a check to the related Board of Supervisors Strategic Initiatives
X Economic Development
__Administration
__Health & Human Services
__Infrastructure
__Public Safety
Prepared by: Isela Sandoval, Management Analyst II, x7214
Approved by: Richard Vaughn, Economic Development Manager, x5602
Attachments:
MDART Support Letter
Executive Summary
FY 23 STEM Talent Challenge Notice of Funding Opportunity