During the Condition of the State address on Jan. 10, Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a new $15 million round of funding targeted at growing Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs across high-demand fields in health care. The expanded Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program will support more programs that help Iowa meet the demand of its health care workforce.
First introduced in 2022, Iowa’s Health Careers supported RA programs that help students pursue nursing pathways. This year’s program expands opportunities for health care apprenticeships to include EMTs, RN’s, direct support professionals, behavioral health and substance abuse specialists and other critical areas.
To receive funding, the RA programs must provide an industry-recognized credential that can also be stackable and used to advance a career in health care. Funding priority and preference will be given to partnerships that involve private or public accredited Iowa high schools.
“This new grant opportunity builds on the success we initiated last year and expands the number of available pathways Iowans can take to gain critical experience in one of the most important sectors of our economy,” said Ms. Reynolds. “Apprenticeships are working in Iowa and opening important doors. We want to do everything we can to get Iowans engaged in the workforce and set up for meaningful careers.”
Applications for the Health Careers Registered Apprenticeship Grant Program are being accepted at IowaGrants.gov through noon March 9. Visit this link for grant documents and information on how to apply.
To highlight the application process, a grants webinar will be held 11 a.m. Jan. 27. Visit here to register for the webinar.
