What types of courses are eligible for funding through the Express Program?

The Express Program funds the cost of off-the-shelf, work-related and skills-based training courses. See below for how we define a course for the Express Program, versus other types of training projects (like consulting and coaching), which are not eligible courses for the Express Program.

Eligible Course Structure

Educational content delivered to one or more participants in the pursuit of knowledge acquisition and skill development around technical and transferable skills. A course has a defined start and end-date, and a predefined set of learning objectives. Any practice scenarios of material taught should be standardized and non-specific to the business business taking the course. Full application of material learned should occur outside of grant-funded training hours.

Consulting 

A subject-matter expert is hired to resolve a business challenge. The consultant will diagnose a problem, and identify and assess solutions. The diagnostic process can involve research and data analysis, and the implementation of solutions can be, but is not always, included in the service. Courses that are determined to be consulting projects are not eligible for reimbursement. Please see below for additional information. 

Memberships 

Access to an unlimited and/or unspecified knowledge base that is charged at a monthly or yearly rate, per person or per group. We cannot reimbursement for any sort of membership style course setup.

Coaching 

An interactive process where a guide oversees and supports skill development. A coach facilitates learning by guiding the client through root-cause analysis and discovery of best practices. The process will often imbue participants with the skills necessary to engage in continuous improvement. Courses that are considered coaching are not eligible for reimbursement. Please see below for additional information.  

Training Costs- What Can the Express Program Cover? 

The cost associated with the delivery of training. Additional fees for certification, exams, assessments, materials, printing, food, travel, temporary account access, or any other expense not directly related to the delivery of training (i.e., the instructor's time) is considered "miscellaneous" and NOT covered by the Express Program. Grantees will have to pay for these out-of-pocket.

Allowable Instruction Methods

• Synchronous: Class times occur at set times and dates and is led by a live instructor
• Instructor-led: Class is led by a facilitator or instructor at least 70% of total training hours, either in-person or virtually. 

Summary- What Does Express Cover? 

Now that key terms are defined, here's a chart - and a few examples - of what is (and is not) covered under an Express grant: 

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