DOE selects 16 universities for $16 million in critical-minerals workforce prizes
DOE’s October 26 PROSPECT Planning Prize announcement supports university plans to expand training in mining and critical-minerals supply chains.
What the record says
The Department of Energy announced on October 26 that 16 universities were selected to receive a combined $16 million through the PROSPECT Planning Prize. DOE says the selected plans aim to grow training and credentials in mining, material science and critical-minerals production, processing, recovery and recycling. The awards form part of DOE’s broader PROSPECT initiative.
Source details and supporting locations.
Practical next step
Read DOE’s announcement and the linked competition page for the selected universities and program details.
Limits and what is not established
These are selected university planning prizes and intended workforce goals, not proof of jobs created or a newly opened student application round.
Sources checked October 27, 2026. Later notices may change instructions or arrangements.
Original sources
U.S. Department of Energy: original information