Existing Industry Training Program (EITP)

Grant Guidelines

The Alabama Community College System (ACCS) Workforce Development Division is seeking applications for training projects that meet the upskilling needs of Alabama’s existing industry. The Existing Industry Training Program (EITP) is designed to provide assistance to employers for expenses associated with the upskilling and/or reskilling of full-time, permanent company employees.

Eligible Training Activities

Eligible training can include, but is not limited to:

  • Industry or company-specific technical skills
  • Safety training
  • Technical computer skills
  • New manufacturing technologies
  • Equipment operation
  • Changes in production processes
  • “Soft skills” such as leadership, teamwork, communication, and management

Existing Industry Training Program (EITP)

Project Specifications

Types of Training

Funding applications may be submitted for one of the following:

  • Customized Training
    Training developed specifically for an employer and tailored to their unique skill requirements or operational processes.
    • Budget Requirements: Applicants must use the EITP Training Cost Calculator to determine the cost of the training.
    • Documentation:
      • Must include supporting cost documentation (quotes, vendor estimates, prior invoices, etc.)
      • Employer matching contributions must also be documented in the EITP Matching Contribution Form and uploaded with the application.
  • Standardized Course Offering
    Pre-developed, non-customized training courses with fixed pricing that may be offered to multiple employers without modification.
    • Pre-Approval Option:
      • Colleges should use the Standardized Course Offering Template to submit course details (title, description, learning objectives, pricing) to ACCS for pre-approval. (Note: Courses must already be established in the ACCS Course Catalog prior to this step) The submission link can be found here.
      • Once approved, the course is added to the EITP Approved Course List (valid for 2 years)
      • Future EITP applications can reference the approved course and price without a full budget breakdown

Funding Limit & Matching Contribution

  • The maximum funding award for a single training project for one company location is $15,000
  • The annual funding limit per company is $60,000
  • Companies requesting additional funding beyond the initial award must:
    • Have completed all training associated with the original grant
    • Ensure the initial grant is officially closed before submitting a new application

Matching Requirement

Employers are required to provide a dollar-for-dollar match for the amount of funding requested. The EITP Matching Contribution Form must be uploaded as part of the application process. This form documents the source, value, and type of the employer’s contributions and serves as verification for compliance with the matching requirement.

Allowable Matching Contributions May Include:

  • Wages and benefits paid to employees during training
  • Equipment purchased specifically for training use
  • Training-related materials and supplies
  • Curriculum development costs
  • Travel, meals, and lodging

Business Eligibility Requirements

To apply for EITP funding, businesses must meet the following criteria:

  • Be a for-profit entity
    Exception: Non-profit organizations may be eligible if they meet at least one of the following conditions:
    • They generate revenue from core services (as opposed to primarily relying on donations)
    • They operate in industries regulated by federal or state agencies (e.g., healthcare, public utilities)
  • Employ at least one full-time, permanent employee, not including the business owner
  • Request training that supports new or upgraded skills necessary to maintain or improve competitiveness or workforce performance
  • Demonstrate a clear benefit to business operations and identify the skills employees will gain through training
  • Include clear and measurable performance outcomes in the application
  • Not be a labor union or a standalone training provider
  • Provide matching training cost contributions
  • Agree to complete a Post-Training Impact Survey to determine the effectiveness of the training in improving operational and workforce metrics. Failure to complete the survey may result in ineligibility for future EITP grant support

Cost Reasonableness & Standards

  • Pricing must be reasonable and competitive across the ACCS system

  • Applications determined to be unreasonable may require justification or market comparison

Application Review Process

  • Applications are reviewed for accuracy, reasonableness, and compliance by the Workforce Application Review Committee

  • Applications are evaluated using standardized criteria outlined in detailed rubric found here

  • Applicants may receive approval, revision requests, or denial based on rubric evaluation results and policy compliance

Reporting, Reimbursements, and Performance

Reimbursement Requirements: 

  • Submit monthly reimbursement requests with: 
    • Paid invoice from the college or vendor 
    • Description and date(s) of training 
    • Roster with employee names, employers, training dates, and trainer/employer certification signature 

Recordkeeping & Compliance: 

  • Maintain accurate and complete training and cost records 
  • All changes to training content or use of funds must be approved by ACCS in writing prior to implementation 
  • Funds not used by the grant end date may be retained by ACCS 
  • Extension requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis 

Performance Reporting: 

  • Colleges must submit Performance Reports monthly or at a minimum quarterly 
    • Reports must include: 
      • Training start and end dates (projected or actual) 
      • Number of participants served during the reporting period 
      • Narrative summary of training activities conducted
  • If no activity has occurred following the projected start date (e.g., training or expenditures), a detailed explanation must be provided 

Application Submission & Approval Process

  1. Complete and submit the EITP application using the ACCS online form 
  2. A confirmation email will be sent to the contact listed 
  3. ACCS will conduct a preliminary completeness review 
  4. Applications are forwarded to the Workforce Application Review Committee for evaluation 
  5. If approved, the applicant will receive: 
    • Notification of Award 
    • Grant Agreement with accounting and compliance guidance 

Roles and Responsibilities

Colleges/Alabama Technology Network (ATN): 

  • Submit complete and accurate applications  
  • Ensure proper documentation and recordkeeping 
  • Coordinate training (directly or through third-party providers) 
  • Submit supporting documentation for reimbursements 

Employers: 

  • Ensure employee participation and compliance with training requirements 
  • Complete and submit the required Post-Training Impact Survey six months following the closure of the grant to evaluate training outcomes and business impact 

ACCS Workforce Development Division: 

  • Review applications, budgets, and training documentation 
  • Maintain the EITP Approved Course List and Cost Reference Guide 
  • Monitor compliance and provide technical assistance 

Enforcement

Failure to comply with EITP policies may result in: 

  • Rejection of grant applications 
  • Denial of reimbursements 
  • Suspension or removal from program eligibility up to one year 

Ready to Apply!

Applicants should be prepared to respond to the on-line application questions as specified, as well as complete appropriate forms and attach applicable documents as indicated below:

Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act (Protection Act)

As a condition of any funds awarded, the grantee agrees to comply with the terms of the Beason-Hammon Alabama Taxpayer and Citizen Protection Act and any subsequent amendments.  It is the responsibility of the fiscal agent to ensure compliance of this Act by all sub-grantees. 

For more information about this grant opportunity, contact Tara Brown, Workforce Grant Manager at [email protected].  

Questions? Contact Us.

Barry May

Executive Director of Workforce and Economic Development

(O) 334-293-4707

(C)  334-590-6390

[email protected]

Tara Brown

Workforce Grants Manager

334-293-4702

[email protected]

Elizabeth Strickland

Workforce Coordinator

334-293-4521

[email protected]