U.S. Department of Education Launches $15 Million Challenge to Create the Next Generation of Talent Marketplaces

Today, the U.S. Department of Education (the Department) announced the launch of the Connecting Talent to Opportunity Challenge. The Challenge is a national call to action designed to strengthen the connections between learners and earners by accelerating the development of integrated, state-wide Talent Marketplaces.

The Challenge advances the Trump Administration's workforce development priorities outlined in "America's Talent Strategy: Building the Workforce for the Golden Age."

"Talent Marketplaces give learners, earners, and employers a clearer way to validate skills, opening doors to stackable credentials and stronger recognition of prior learning and work experience," said Acting Assistant Secretary for the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education Nick Moore. "As we expand these systems, we open more pathways into good jobs, support broader participation in the workforce, and help strengthen our Nation's economy."

Beginning in January 2026, the Department invites state Governors, in collaboration with their Perkins, adult education, and workforce partners, to build or scale Talent Marketplaces that include a Credential Registry, Learning and Employment Records, and Skills-Based Job Description Generators to better match talent to opportunity. In doing so, States will expand access to high-quality career pathways, increase labor force participation, and support skills-based hiring.

Under the Challenge, the Department will provide up to 10 semi-finalists and finalists with tailored technical assistance as they refine and implement their development plans. In addition, they will be eligible to receive a portion of the $15 million prize pool.

The lessons learned from this Challenge will inform resources and models that will foster growth and expansion of Talent Marketplaces nationwide.

Learn more and follow the challenge at cto-challenge.com.

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