40 U.S.C. § 14506 — Regional skills partnerships

(a) Eligible Entity. Defined here as a consortium that: (1) is set up to serve one or more industries in a specific geographic area; and (2) includes representatives of (A) businesses, or a nonprofit organization representing businesses, (B) labor organizations, (C) state and local governments, or (D) educational institutions.

(b) Projects To Be Assisted. The Commission may give technical assistance, grants, contracts, or other funding to eligible entities in the region for projects that improve workers' job skills for a specific industry, including projects to: (1) assess training and job-skill needs for the industry; (2) develop curricula and training methods, including electronic or technology-based learning where appropriate; (3) identify training providers; (4) build partnerships between the industry and educational institutions, including community colleges; (5) develop apprenticeship programs; (6) develop training programs for workers, including dislocated workers; and (7) develop training plans for businesses.

(c) Administrative Costs. An eligible entity may use up to 10 percent of its subsection (b) funding to pay administrative costs for these projects.

(d) Limitation on Available Amounts. Funding for a qualifying activity is capped at: (1) 50 percent of cost normally; (2) 80 percent in a county with a "distressed" designation under section 14526; or (3) 70 percent in a county with an "at-risk" designation under section 14526.

(e) Sources of Assistance. Funding can stand alone, combine with other federal programs, or combine with money from any other source.

(f) Federal Share. Even if another federal law caps the federal share of a project's cost, this section's money can raise that share as much as the Commission decides is appropriate.