The U.S. Departments of Education (ED) and Labor (DOL) have officially announced competition for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Talent Search Program, a federal initiative aimed at helping students access high-quality postsecondary education, training programs, and registered apprenticeships. The program represents a coordinated effort between the two agencies to streamline postsecondary and workforce development programs and ensure that more Americans have access to the education and training that leads to higher-paying careers. Grants for the Talent Search program will be issued through DOL’s GrantSolutions platform, underscoring the administration’s focus on effective program delivery.The move comes amid growing concerns about the U.S. skilled workforce, with current estimates showing a shortfall of more than 700,000 workers in key industries. By aligning ED’s post-secondary programs with DOL’s workforce initiatives, the federal government aims to close the gap between education and employment, helping students and workers acquire the skills needed for today’s rapidly evolving economy.
Streamlining federal education and workforce programs
The FY 2026 Talent Search Program competition is the first of several planned federal TRIO Program grant competitions this year. Earlier in 2026, ED staff were detailed to DOL to strengthen collaboration and integration of postsecondary and workforce programs. The collaboration is designed to reduce bureaucratic barriers, increase funding, and create a more integrated federal strategy for education and workforce development.“As the nation faces a shortage of more than 700,000 skilled workers, the Trump administration is changing the federal government’s approach to workforce development,” said Dr. David Barker, Assistant Secretary for Postsecondary Education. “We are proud to partner with the Department of Labor to streamline postsecondary and workforce education programs to better serve students, higher education institutions and grantees.“Dr. Henry Mack, Assistant Secretary for Employment and Training, emphasized the administration’s commitment to effective program delivery: “Under President Trump’s leadership, the Departments of Labor and Education are breaking through the federal education bureaucracy to deliver critical funding more effectively—connecting more Americans with a quality postsecondary education. We are committed to ensuring that every American has access to the tools and training they need to succeed in today’s economy.”
The role of interagency contracts in program delivery
The ED-DOL partnership follows a framework of interagency agreements (IAAs), a mechanism routinely used by federal agencies to share resources, manage funds, and effectively deliver services. In November 2025, ED announced six new IAAs with four federal agencies to streamline program delivery and move closer to the administration’s goal of returning education oversight to states.Through this partnership, DOL will administer grant funds, provide technical assistance to grantees, and coordinate ED’s postsecondary programs with DOL’s existing workforce development programs. This shared administration ensures that grants are distributed efficiently, technical assistance is readily available, and students can access programs that are closely aligned with the needs of today’s labor market.
Connecting students to high quality education and training
The Talent Search program is designed to help students from underrepresented or economically disadvantaged backgrounds access post-secondary education, technical training, and apprenticeship opportunities. By connecting students to these programs, the initiative aims to improve college readiness, increase graduation rates, and provide pathways to high-demand careers.The FY 2026 competition signals a broader federal strategy to integrate education and workforce programs, ensuring that grants are not only distributed efficiently, but also lead to meaningful results for students and workers. ED and DOL will continue to provide guidance and support to grantees as these measures are implemented.
Looking ahead.
As the U.S. workforce faces a growing demand for skilled professionals, initiatives such as the Talent Search Program underscore the government’s efforts to align education with labor market needs. By reducing bureaucratic complexity and improving access to postsecondary education and training, the federal government is taking steps to equip Americans with the tools they need to succeed in a competitive, high-tech economy.This initiative reflects a continued focus on preparing students for careers that drive personal and national economic growth, ensuring the next generation is prepared to meet the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century workforce.
