BEAM Circular, a leading regional nonprofit organization driving the growth of California’s circular bioeconomy, has opened applications for $2.3 million in grant funding to expand education programs and build specialized training facilities in Stanislaus County that prepare students and workers for jobs in growing bio-based industries.
Grant proposals will be accepted in three rounds in 2025, beginning with a first round deadline of June 30th. Local education institutions, schools districts, and nonprofit workforce training providers are eligible to apply for grant awards ranging from $5,000 – $500,000.
This funding is part of a broader $10 million investment by Stanislaus County into BEAM Circular’s efforts to grow bio-based manufacturing in the region, supported by funds from the American Rescue Plan Act with the goal of spurring regional economic development and creating quality job opportunities for the local community. The workforce development grants deployed by BEAM Circular will be used to accelerate career readiness and job creation in the emerging bioeconomy sector in order to increase economic mobility. The allocation includes $800,000 for new workforce development programming and $1.5 million to build out equipment and infrastructure for bioeconomy-focused training…