Monthly Newsletter | April 2026

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Almost three years ago, I received a simple message through The Grants Clearinghouse website asking if we were available to support a grant opportunity. That outreach, from Tafaimamao Tua-Tupuola at American Samoa Community College (ASCC), has since grown into one of the most meaningful projects of my career.

Together, we developed and submitted an NSF IUSE grant in early 2024—later awarded as one of the first federal grants ever received by ASCC. Last week, I had the privilege of visiting the island as part of our role evaluating the CHIEFS project, and it was truly a life-changing experience.

The impact of this work is already clear: expanded access to hybrid and distance learning, new equipment, and greater opportunity for students across the islands. But what stands out most are the relationships built along the way and the reminder of why this work matters.

I’m incredibly proud of our team—especially Nancy Heller and Elizabeth Higgins—and grateful for the partnerships that continue to shape this journey.

We’re just getting started.

Warm regards,

Mason

GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The U.S. Department of Labor and National Science Foundation have launched a new partnership to advance AI workforce development through the TechAccess: AI-Ready America initiative. Backed by up to $224 million in funding, the effort will establish coordination hubs across states and territories to expand access to AI training, tools, and career pathways. The collaboration aims to better prepare American workers and businesses for an increasingly AI-driven economy.

NEW PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

State of Arkansas

On Monday, April 27, Mason Bishop and Cameron Christy facilitated a strategic meeting in Little Rock focused on workforce modernization and planning for potential workforce and social services legislation. The session brought together key stakeholders to advance the development of a comprehensive workforce modernization plan aligned with the state’s broader policy priorities.

This effort is part of WorkED Consulting’s ongoing support to the Arkansas Legislative Council under the Hospital, Medicaid, and Developmental Disabilities Study established by Act 145 of 2025. Through this engagement, WorkED is helping guide planning, coordination, and policy development—providing technical expertise on WIOA state planning, federal waivers, and legislative strategy to strengthen Arkansas’ workforce and public assistance systems.

OUR REACH

Excited to share the release of Land of Opportunity: Advancing the American Dream from the American Enterprise Institute’s COSM initiative—a timely and thoughtful policy handbook focused on strengthening economic growth, expanding opportunity, and renewing the promise of the American Dream.

This comprehensive work brings together leading policy voices to tackle some of the nation’s most pressing challenges—from workforce development and education to cost of living and social capital.

Owner, Mason Bishop, co-authored the workforce development chapter alongside lifetime friend, Brent Orrell. Mason's continued leadership and expertise in workforce strategy are helping shape meaningful, forward-looking solutions that connect people to opportunity.

The handbook offers a clear-eyed, optimistic perspective—grounded in evidence and focused on empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and leveraging market-driven solutions.

See more here.

TEAM HIGHLIGHT

Shannon Receives Accolades!

A special shout-out to team member Shannon Calhoun who received the following compliment from a valued client, "I wanted to share how wonderful it has been working with Shannon. Shannon is not only excellent at her role, but also consistently patient, flexible, and accommodating—especially with my delays and deadlines. Thank you for being such great partners and for the opportunity to work with Shannon."

Reach out to us today to work with Shannon or other TGC team members!

The Grants Clearinghouse

P.O. Box 12191

Burke, VA 22009

info@grantsclearinghouse.com