NSF seeks input on investing in U.S. workforce training to revitalize America's energy dominance
NSF proposes a new initiative to strengthen American manufacturing, energy dominance and related emerging technology industries by expanding the domestic workforce
The U.S. National Science Foundation Directorate for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (NSF TIP) and Directorate for STEM Education (NSF EDU) announced a bold new initiative to renew American manufacturing, revitalize America's energy dominance and address the shortage of a trade and skilled workforce. NSF seeks feedback on this initiative through a Request for Information (RFI).
In October 2025, President Donald J. Trump announced significant Japanese investments in American manufacturing, energy and critical minerals to strengthen domestic energy infrastructure and supply chains and create jobs for American workers. To maximize these investments, the U.S. must accelerate modernization of the American workforce and continue to invest in trade and skilled workers in advanced manufacturing, energy and related emerging technology fields.
"America's technological and scientific global leadership is inextricably linked to our nation's capacity to prepare and train world-class talent — not just for the industries of today but in emerging technology sectors that will shape the future," said Erwin Gianchandani, assistant director for NSF TIP. "These investments will ensure all Americans have the opportunity to be ready to compete and win in these sectors from day one, positioning our nation's workforce to help renew American manufacturing and revitalize U.S. energy dominance."
NSF is outlining a $100 million investment in a wide range of workforce development activities across the U.S. The initiative addresses the shortage of both trade and skilled workers needed by domestic advanced manufacturing, energy — including advanced energy/power generation, construction, transmission, distribution and storage — and related emerging technologies industries.
"As global industries continue to invest in American manufacturing and job creation, the nation must continue to improve and expand educational pathways and training infrastructures for U.S. skilled workers," said James L. Moore III, assistant director for NSF EDU. "NSF is poised to support these expansions and improvements for American workers, who will in turn secure high-paying, high-quality American jobs and contribute to strengthening national security and U.S. leadership in advanced manufacturing, energy and related critical and emerging technologies."
To help shape this initiative, NSF is inviting input from the broader community — including from academia, policymakers, nonprofits, philanthropy, state and local government, venture capital, the private sector and other interested parties — through an RFI. Responses to the RFI are due by Friday, Feb. 13, 2026, 3:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. To learn more about this initiative and the submission requirements, read the full RFI.
About TIP
TIP seeks to engage all Americans in accelerating critical and emerging technologies to advance U.S. competitiveness. The directorate partners across sectors to advance three strategies: accelerating critical and emerging technology, expanding the geography of American innovation, and building a competition-ready workforce. For more information about TIP, visit nsf.gov/tip/latest.
About EDU
EDU works to develop a well-informed citizenry and a capable workforce of scientists, technicians, engineers, mathematicians and educators. EDU's programs support STEM education at all educational levels and in a variety of settings. For more information about EDU, visit https://www.nsf.gov/edu.