Competitive Grant-in-Aid (Consortia)

Program Description

The BSSC's Grant-in-Aid program for Consortia promotes collaborative training initiatives for companies that have common training needs. The training consortium must be industry driven and be a partnership between business/industry, education, and government working together to maximize the effectiveness of the current and future workforce.

Project Funding

The maximum funding amount for consortia is $75,000 per BSSC fiscal year (July 1- June 30,). The minimum application amount is $2500. Applications are further limited to the number of trainees (x) $2,000.

Eligible Firms

The eligible consortia shall include three (exception may apply for a new consortia, please see Grant-in-Aid guidelines for further information) or more BSSC eligible companies that maintain an industry driven board or committee, a mission statement, bylaws, bank account, and a federal identification number.

Eligible Training

The following training types are allowed under BSSC guidelines: Pre-Employment Skills Training, Skills Upgrade Training, and Entry Level Skills Training. The following are examples of eligible training activities and methods: classroom, innovative training techniques, tuition, and capacity building. Pro/con union training, retroactive training, and/or mandated/safety training are not eligible. A minimum of three consortia members must participate together in any single training category as indicated by specific course/class title on the Training Plan page of the application.

Training Costs

The BSSC provides reimbursement for up to 50% of eligible training activities. This training can be provided in-house, by a consultant, or by an educational institution. BSSC will provide reimbursement up to $25 per hour ($50 p/h total training) for all in-house training. Consultant & Education Provider rates vary from $50-$65 per hour. To view specific rates refer to our GIA guidelines.

Eligible Employees

Participants in the Grant-in-Aid program must be residents of Kentucky who are full-time employees of the member companies applying as a consortium. Eligible employees must make a minimum of $10.88 per hour base wage plus 15% benefits.

Application Scoring

The BSSC Board of Directors promotes collaborative training initiatives and provides priority consideration for training agreements that demonstrate the willingness of multiple companies to work together through training consortia. Consortiums are eligible to receive 30 points on the application under the ‘Progressive Initiative' section (see Grant in Aid guidelines for further information on scoring).