Dear Colleagues,

The University of Utah is strategically collecting ideas for Utah Talent Ready/USHE’s inaugural cycle of the Life Science Workforce Initiative. In 2024, the Utah Legislature appropriated $2 million in one-time funds and an additional $2 million in ongoing funds for the Life Science Workforce Initiative. The initiative’s goal is to prepare a workforce with the skills to meet the future needs of Utah’s growing Life Science industries. This initiative aims to fund the creation or expansion of Life Science certificates, apprenticeships, and degrees that will prepare students for current and future careers in high-demand Life Science occupations. The full RFP can be found HERE and should be reviewed in full before preparing an application.

Note that a limited number of proposals will be selected by the sponsor for funding. This opportunity is highly selective and competitive.

While there is no limit to the number of applications submitted from the University of Utah, we are asking U of U faculty with interest in this opportunity to submit an Intent to Apply to this internal competition. Doing so will allow for a strategic, strong, and coordinated response from the University of Utah, give leadership the ability to connect applicants with resources such as proposal guidance, cross-campus collaborations, etc. All submitted proposals will be reviewed by the Offices of the President, the Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, and the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences. These offices will mutually determine who will be supported by the university to proceed with full submission to the sponsor.

Intent-to-apply applications are due by 11:59pm (MST) on Thursday, June 27, 2024. Applications must be submitted via the InfoReady competition portal HERE.

USHE is hosting an RFP Informational Session/Q&A on Thursday, June 13, 2024 from 1:00-2:00pm. Applicants and others interested in the Life Science Workforce Initiative are encouraged to attend this virtual RFP information session. Talent Ready Utah staff will be present to share information and answer questions. To register for the RFP information session and receive a meeting invitation, click here.

Questions about this program or intent-to-apply competition can be directed here. The VPR Grants team will coordinate with appropriate leadership to respond to questions.

Thank you.