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N.C. Commerce Dept.: Carolinas Grid Modernization Engine Earns Prestigious NSF Regional Innovation Engines Award
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 25 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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Carolinas Grid Modernization Engine Earns Prestigious NSF Regional Innovation Engines Award
Landmark partnership across North and South Carolina earns federal award to accelerate grid innovation, commercialization, and workforce development
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Today Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley celebrated the National Science Foundation's selection of the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas as one of only 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Engines
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 25 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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Carolinas Grid Modernization Engine Earns Prestigious NSF Regional Innovation Engines Award
Landmark partnership across North and South Carolina earns federal award to accelerate grid innovation, commercialization, and workforce development
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Today Governor Josh Stein and North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley celebrated the National Science Foundation's selection of the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas as one of only 12 new NSF Regional Innovation Enginesnationwide. This prestigious designation recognizes the strength of a regional partnership that will accelerate innovation, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and create new economic opportunities.
"The NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas represents an historic opportunity for North Carolina and South Carolina to build on our shared strengths and establish the Carolinas as a global leader in energy innovation," said Governor Josh Stein. "I look forward to watching this project fuel economic growth and fortify the domestic energy infrastructure essential to our national security."
Led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, the Carolinas Grid Engine will receive an initial $15 million federal investment over the next two years and will have the potential to receive up to $160 million over the next decade as it achieves performance milestones.
The Carolinas Grid Engine unites more than 100 partners throughout North Carolina and South Carolina - including research universities, utilities, manufacturers, entrepreneurs, workforce organizations, nonprofits, and state agencies - to accelerate the development, testing, commercialization, and deployment of technologies that will strengthen America's electric grid while creating new jobs and business opportunities in the region.
"North Carolina's First in Opportunity strategic economic development plan recognizes that partnerships are essential to innovation and long-term prosperity," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "The Carolinas Grid Engine brings together the talent, ideas and resources of two states to transform breakthrough research into new companies, high-quality jobs, and lasting economic growth. Congratulations to UNC Charlotte and every partner whose collaboration made this remarkable achievement possible."
The NSF Regional Innovation Engines program supports regional coalitions that translate cutting-edge research into new technologies, companies, and jobs. The Carolinas Grid Engine will focus on modernizing the nation's electric grid by advancing research and development, strengthening domestic supply chains, supporting entrepreneurship, expanding workforce training, and improving grid reliability and resilience.
"Our two states--and, frankly, the nation--are facing mounting energy-related challenges around availability, reliability and affordability, while also working to deploy generation resources that are increasingly clean," said Jennifer Mundt, Assistant Secretary of the N.C. Department of Commerce's Office of Energy and Infrastructure. "This NSF award meets the moment by hastening the development and adoption of technologies designed to address these challenges head-on."
The award also reflects years of collaboration among public, private, and nonprofit partners throughout the Carolinas. The N.C. Department of Commerce, through the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, has worked alongside research institutions, industry leaders, and economic development organizations to help build the region's innovation ecosystem.
"This award validates years of collaboration among our universities, industry leaders, utilities, entrepreneurs, and state partners to build one of the nation's most competitive innovation ecosystems," said Dr. John Hardin, Executive Director of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation at the N.C. Department of Commerce. "The NSF Engines program is about translating world-class research into real economic impact. The Carolinas Grid Engine will accelerate commercialization, support startup growth, strengthen domestic manufacturing, and prepare the workforce needed to modernize America's electric grid. This investment will help ensure the Carolinas remain a national leader in turning research into economic opportunity."
UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon Gaber said the designation represents the power of sustained regional collaboration.
"This award reflects years of collaboration across the Carolinas and demonstrates what is possible when higher education, industry, and government work together around a shared vision," said Gaber. "UNC Charlotte is honored to lead this extraordinary partnership as we work together to strengthen our regional economy and help solve one of our nation's most important infrastructure challenges."
Dr. John Daniels, Vice Chancellor for Research at UNC Charlotte and principal investigator for the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, said the initiative is designed to accelerate innovation by connecting research, industry, and workforce partners across the region.
"Grid modernization cannot happen through isolated efforts," said Daniels. "The Carolinas have assembled an unmatched coalition of partners with the expertise, industrial capacity, and collaborative spirit needed to move breakthrough technologies from the laboratory to the marketplace. Together, we're building an innovation ecosystem that will strengthen America's energy future while creating economic opportunity throughout our region."
With this award, North Carolina becomes the only state in the nation with three NSF Engines. The other two Engines--awarded as part of the first NSF Engines cohort in January 2024--are the NSF Textile Innovation Engine in North Carolina, based in Morganton, with a Region of Service that includes all of North Carolina and portions of South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia; and the NSF Regenerative Medicine Engine in North Carolina, based in Winston-Salem, with a Region of Service that includes all of North Carolina.
Selected through one of the National Science Foundation's most competitive funding programs, the Carolinas Grid Engine joins a national network of innovation ecosystems focused on strengthening America's technological leadership, expanding domestic manufacturing, improving supply chains, and enhancing U.S. economic competitiveness. The initiative also advances North Carolina's First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan by strengthening innovation ecosystems, supporting a future-ready workforce, and expanding economic opportunity across the state.
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About the N.C. Department of Commerce
The N.C. Department of Commerce is the state's lead agency for economic, community, and workforce development. The department works with local, regional, and statewide partners to support job creation, strengthen communities, and expand opportunity for all North Carolinians.
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/24/carolinas-grid-modernization-engine-earns-prestigious-nsf-regional-innovation-engines-award
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Coalition Opposing Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Attempt to Weaken Environmental Reviews
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 25 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Opposing Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Attempt to Weaken Environmental Reviews
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general and Harris County, Texas, in a comment letter opposing a proposal by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that would unlawfully ignore foreseeable environmental impacts from nuclear power projects and severely limit public participation.
The NRC has proposed
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 25 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition Opposing Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Attempt to Weaken Environmental Reviews
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 14 attorneys general and Harris County, Texas, in a comment letter opposing a proposal by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) that would unlawfully ignore foreseeable environmental impacts from nuclear power projects and severely limit public participation.
The NRC has proposedchanges to how it conducts National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) reviews of projects, changes that the coalition say would come at the expense of environmental and economic information, public participation, and transparency. The NRC has conceded in its Regulatory Analysis for the Proposed Rule that the changes will likely reduce public confidence in the safety and security of nuclear power.
The NRC's mission emphasizes its obligation to protect "public health and safety" while regulating nuclear energy technologies for the "benefit of society and the environment." And yet, the commission's proposed rule limits the environmental impacts the NRC would consider, including environmental justice issues and climate change, removes public participation opportunities at key stages of the environmental review process, and restricts analysis of alternatives to a proposed action.
In its letter, the coalition argues that the proposed rule would be arbitrary and capricious and violate the clear requirements of NEPA
Additionally, the proposal would cut out meaningful opportunities for the public to participate in the environmental review process, which is one of the "twin aims" of NEPA. The NRC's proposed rule would require solicitation of public comment only on the notice of intent to prepare an environmental impact statement and would not require that the NRC respond to public comments. That heightens the possibility of overlooking or disregarding potentially significant environmental harms.
"By curtailing opportunities for public involvement, the Proposed Rule if enacted strikes at the heart of NEPA's purpose and environmental review requirements," the coalition wrote in the letter.
The coalition is asking that the NRC withdraw the proposed rule or, failing that, revise the rule to meet its obligations under the law, including the commission's responsibilities to protect the environment and the public and provide sufficient analysis and justification of the changes the commission wants to make.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington. Harris County, TX, also joined the letter.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Coalition-Opposing-Nuclear-Regulatory-Commission%e2%80%99s-Attempt-to-Weaken-Environmental-Reviews.aspx
Idaho Environmental Quality Dept. to Hold Public Meeting to Collect Comments on Draft 401 Water Quality Certification for Felt Hydroelectric Project
BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 25 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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DEQ to hold public meeting to collect comments on draft 401 water quality certification for Felt Hydroelectric Project
DRIGGS - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public meeting to receive comments on the draft Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Felt Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. P-5089.
The project is located on the Teton River, approximately 9 miles northwest of Tetonia, Idaho.
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BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 25 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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DEQ to hold public meeting to collect comments on draft 401 water quality certification for Felt Hydroelectric Project
DRIGGS - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will hold a public meeting to receive comments on the draft Clean Water Act (CWA) Section 401 Water Quality Certification for the Felt Hydroelectric Project, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) No. P-5089.
The project is located on the Teton River, approximately 9 miles northwest of Tetonia, Idaho.The public meeting will be held at the Teton County Courthouse (Commissioner's Room, 150 Courthouse Dr., Driggs, ID 83422) on September 3, 2026, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
This draft certification is in response to the Final License Application submitted to FERC on August 31, 2021, by the Fall River Rural Electric Cooperative. DEQ received a water quality certification request on December 5, 2025, pursuant to CWA Sec. 401, for the reissuance of a FERC license authorizing operation of the Felt Hydroelectric Project, FERC Project No. 5089. Under CWA Sec. 401, the project must be certified by the state within 1 year of receipt of the certification request before it can be relicensed by FERC.
Based upon review of the Final License Application and other relevant information, DEQ certifies that, if the licensee complies with the terms and conditions imposed by the FERC license, and the conditions set forth in this water quality certification, there is reasonable assurance for DEQ to conclude that the licensed activities will comply with water quality requirements, including applicable requirements of the Clean Water Act Sections 301, 302, 303, 306, and 307, Idaho's Water Quality Standards (IDAPA 58.01.02), and other appropriate water quality requirements of Idaho state law.
Documents relating to the license application can be reviewed by accessing FERC's eLibrary via docket number P-5089. Written comments will be accepted through September 14, 2026, at 5 p.m. Mountain Time.
Submit comments electronically on DEQ's web page or by mail or email to:
Alex Bell
Idaho Department of Environmental Quality
900 N. Skyline Drive, Suite B
Idaho Falls, ID 83402
alex.bell@deq.idaho.gov
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Original text here: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/deq-to-hold-public-meeting-to-collect-comments-on-draft-401-water-quality-certification-for-felt-hydroelectric-project/
Facts Not on Fox News: California Attracts More Startup Investment Than 49 States Combined
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 25 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Facts Not on Fox News: California attracts more startup investment than 49 states combined
$366 billion in venture-capital funding raised by companies big and small in 2026
What you need to know: Under Governor Newsom, California secures more venture capital funding than the rest of the country combined.
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California, the nation's #1 state for venture capital, has reached another major milestone, attracting $366 billion in venture
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SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 25 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 24, 2026:
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Facts Not on Fox News: California attracts more startup investment than 49 states combined
$366 billion in venture-capital funding raised by companies big and small in 2026
What you need to know: Under Governor Newsom, California secures more venture capital funding than the rest of the country combined.
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced that California, the nation's #1 state for venture capital, has reached another major milestone, attracting $366 billion in venturecapital funding in 2026. This year, more than 4,000 California-based startups have secured more funding than startups in all 49 other states combined. Fueled by California's unmatched leadership in technology, artificial intelligence, and innovation, the Golden State continues to outperform the rest of the nation, attracting investment, creating new companies, and building the industries that will define the future.
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While right wing propaganda may try to paint a different picture of California's economic success, it is far from reality. California is dominating - drawing more venture capital than every other state combined. Entrepreneurs, investors, and innovators continue to bet on California because this is where ideas become companies, companies become industries, and the future gets built.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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World-leading economy
Since Governor Newsom took office, California's annual GDP has grown by more than $1.18 trillion, reaching $4.25 trillion in 2025. First-quarter 2026 economic output reached an annualized $4.4 trillion, following annual GDP gains exceeding $200 billion in each of the previous two years.
As the world's fourth largest economy, California continues to lead the nation where it matters most -- creating new businesses, attracting venture capital, driving technological innovation, expanding advanced manufacturing, growing high-tech industries, and producing more than any other state. In fact, The Golden State continues to be: #1 state for new business starts, #1 state for manufacturing, #1 state for high-tech business, #1 state for agriculture.
California also remains home to more businesses than Texas or Florida, and continues to be America's start up capital -- with more than 4.3 million small businesses employing 7.6 million Californians.
In the first quarter of 2026, California's economy grew at a 3.7% annualized pace -- its best quarterly growth ranking since 2013 and one of the fastest growth rates in the nation. Meanwhile, Texas grew just 0.9% and Florida 1.6% during the same period.
When it comes to job creation during the first quarter, California added about 131,500 jobs over the previous year -- the largest increase of any state. California's workforce posted a 4.2% productivity increase in 2025, making the Golden State the single largest contributor to national productivity growth and accounting for roughly 14% of total U.S. economic output, despite being home to only 12% of the U.S. population.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/24/facts-not-on-fox-news-california-attracts-more-startup-investment-than-49-states-combined/
Colo. Secretary of State's Office Sends Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 25 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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Colorado Secretary of State's Office Sends Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The Secretary of State's Office has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on amendments to the office's Election Rules.
A public rulemaking hearing will be held September 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM MT to hear testimony concerning the preliminary draft of permanent rules. This hearing will be conducted in person and via webinar. The in-person hearing will take place in the Red Rocks Conference Room on the 5th Floor of the Department
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DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 25 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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Colorado Secretary of State's Office Sends Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
The Secretary of State's Office has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking on amendments to the office's Election Rules.
A public rulemaking hearing will be held September 14, 2026 at 10:00 AM MT to hear testimony concerning the preliminary draft of permanent rules. This hearing will be conducted in person and via webinar. The in-person hearing will take place in the Red Rocks Conference Room on the 5th Floor of the Departmentof State's office at 1700 Broadway, Denver, CO 80290.
Use the registration link to attend the rulemaking hearing online (https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_nrUtgDm4S6akbLjRq4GIKA#/registration). You will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Public comment opportunities will be provided to all participants, whether in person or online.
Links to current rules and additional information concerning rules and notices of rulemaking can be found on the Department of State's rules and notices of rulemaking webpage (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/rule_making/rules.html).
Notice of Rulemaking (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/rule_making/files/2026/20260814ElectionRulemakingNotice.pdf)
The public is also invited to send feedback to the Secretary of State's Office regarding the rulemaking process. Those interested in participating can review the preliminary draft rules and submit written comments about the proposed permanent rules to SOS.Rulemaking@coloradosos.gov at any time prior to and during the hearing. All written comments will be added to the official rulemaking record.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260824Rulemaking.html
S.D. Education Dept.: More Strides Made to Expand Farm to School Across South Dakota Pierre, S.D. - The South Dakota Dep
PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 25 -- The South Dakota Department of Education issued the following news release:
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More Strides Made to Expand Farm to School Across South Dakota Pierre, S.D. - The South Dakota Dep
The South Dakota Department of Education's Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) is pleased to announce four additional awards for the Farm to School grant to advance local projects. This brings the total Farm to School grantees to ten, bringing the total award dollars to $99,487.
"Food is an essential aspect of everyone's lives, and this program opens doors to unique
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 25 -- The South Dakota Department of Education issued the following news release:
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More Strides Made to Expand Farm to School Across South Dakota Pierre, S.D. - The South Dakota Dep
The South Dakota Department of Education's Division of Child and Adult Nutrition Services (CANS) is pleased to announce four additional awards for the Farm to School grant to advance local projects. This brings the total Farm to School grantees to ten, bringing the total award dollars to $99,487.
"Food is an essential aspect of everyone's lives, and this program opens doors to uniqueeducational opportunities and collaboration that will leave a lasting impact," said Alan Haarstad, Director of CANS. "The Farm to School program fosters community-wide collaboration between schools, local food producers, families, and organizations to provide a robust understanding on the importance of nutrition education and procurement."
The following schools are the newly awarded Farm to School grant recipients:
* Huron School District was awarded $15,000 to purchase a vegetable washer;
* Leola School District was awarded $13,956.26 to install raised garden beds and provide garden and agriculture education to students;
* Sioux Falls School District was awarded $10,390 to purchase two hydroponic units; and
* Viborg-Hurley School District was awarded $10,290 to purchase two hydroponic units.
While fulfilling one or more of the three core elements of Farm to School, programs express their creativity and innovation through the field trips they plan to see food production in action, the equipment they purchase to educate individuals on how to safely produce and prepare food, and the empowering experiences they gain through maintaining a garden.
The department encourages local producers to connect with schools and organizations with a Farm to School program to get involved. For more information on Farm to School and view the full list of grant recipients, visit doe.sd.gov/farmtoschool/.
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Original text here: https://news.sd.gov/news?id=news_kb_article_view&sys_id=0e0eda5747764710a497127ba26d4329
N.J. Labor & Workfoce Development Dept. Awards $9 Million in Grant Funding to Grow Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 25 -- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the following news release:
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NJDOL Awards $9 Million in Grant Funding to Grow Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning awarded a total of $9 million to 29 organizations through a second round of FY26 funding through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grants. These programs aim to foster the creation
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 25 -- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the following news release:
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NJDOL Awards $9 Million in Grant Funding to Grow Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs
The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning awarded a total of $9 million to 29 organizations through a second round of FY26 funding through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grants. These programs aim to foster the creationand expansion of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state.
Since the establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning in 2018, New Jersey has invested more than $125 million through grant programs to create and develop work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs. This has supported the creation of 1,081 new Registered Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey -- a 177 percent increase since 2018 -- and enabled more than 30,000 new apprentices to be onboarded. The state currently has 11,505 active apprentices in 1,692 programs.
"These grants represent a significant investment in New Jersey's workforce and demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing access to family-sustaining employment," said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. "By supporting both apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across diverse industries, we are ensuring workers have access to the training and opportunities they need to succeed in today's economy, while helping employers build the skilled workforce that drives our state's competitiveness."
"The GAINS and PACE programs work hand-in-hand to create comprehensive career pathways -- from pre-apprenticeship preparation through registered apprenticeship and into long-term employment," said Bill Sarboukh, Assistant Director of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. "This funding will help New Jersey residents gain the skills, credentials, and experience they need on the pathway to a rewarding career."
GAINS
20 organizations were awarded a total of $6 million through the GAINS program. The GAINS program develops new and existing apprenticeship programs and creates Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries, with a focus on equality of opportunity, upward mobility, and economic fairness.
GAINS funding can be used by awardees to offset training and associated costs for new registered apprentices and to reimburse up to 50 percent of a new apprentice's wages for a maximum of $12,000 per apprentice over 52 work weeks.
Over the past eight years, $51.8 million in GAINS funding has been awarded to place more than 8,560 Registered Apprentices into employment across diverse fields. Examples include K-12 Teacher Apprentices, Registered Nurse Residents, Home Health Aides, Engineering Technicians, Network Support Specialists, construction-related trades, and many other occupations.
"School districts across New Jersey continue to face significant teacher shortages, and Brookdale is proud to help develop innovative solutions that benefit both educators and the communities they serve." said David M. Stout, Ph.D., President of Brookdale Community College. "This continued investment by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development recognizes the success of our apprenticeship model and allows us to expand opportunities for aspiring teachers while helping school districts recruit and retain highly qualified professionals."
Greg Lalevee, Business Manager for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825, added: "IUOE Local 825 is honored to receive support through NJDOL's GAINS program. This funding will strengthen our apprenticeship and skills training initiatives, expand opportunities for workers seeking careers as operating engineers -- especially in the energy infrastructure, and help build a stronger, safer, more competitive workforce for New Jersey."
The complete list of the second round of FY26 GAINS grantees includes: [View table in the link at bottom.]
PACE
Nine organizations were awarded a total of $3 million through the PACE program. The PACE program was developed to promote equal opportunities, upward mobility, and economic fairness while helping to alleviate economic barriers that hinder workers from upskilling opportunities.
PACE programs provide tools such as job readiness, essential skills, and occupation-specific training, and funding that can be used to offset participants' related costs, such as childcare, transportation, and the attainment of a high school equivalency diploma or GED.
These programs must be partnered with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor. Together, the programs combine industry-based training and classroom instruction, leading to better-paying positions and advanced credentials.
More than $27.9 million in PACE funding has been awarded since its establishment to prepare over 3,900 pre-apprentices to enter either Registered Apprenticeship, employment, or post-secondary education/vocational training.
Dr. Juail Goode, Founder & CEO of PACE grantee Goode Education Group LLC, stated: "As a Newark native, I know what a single credential can do for a family; and as a workforce partner, I know pharmacy employers need skilled, credentialed pharmacy technicians ready to contribute from day one. The FY26 PACE grant allows Goode Education Group to meet both needs at once: our 12-week Pharmacy Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program prepares New Jersey residents for the exact roles our employer partners are hiring for, creating a direct pipeline from training to employment. For our participants, that means a nationally recognized credential, a career pathway, and real opportunity for the community. We're honored that NJDOL trusts community-based providers like ours to deliver."
The complete list of the second round of FY26 PACE grantees includes: [View table in the link at bottom.]
PACE programs can work strategically with GAINS-funded programs to create a seamless talent pipeline, creating a steady stream of prepared candidates for Registered Apprenticeship programs.
Find out additional information about NJDOL's grant opportunities (https://www.nj.gov/labor/research-info/grants.shtml).
Learn more about the New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship (https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/apprenticeship/).
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2026/20260824_GAINS.shtml
