DES MOINES, IOWA (November 3, 2020) — Governor Kim Reynolds has announced 46 awardees of the Coronavirus Relief Fund Earn and Learn Grant, totaling $5.85 Million. A summary of awards can be found here. The grants will fund projects that support the creation and expansion of short-term training programs and support-services resulting in industry-recognized credentials. Individual grants ranging $10,000 to $250,000 were awarded to project proposals submitted by non-profits, adult-training providers, small businesses (less than 50 employees), post-secondary institutions, and unions.
“The Earn and Learn grant program will lead to training opportunities in high-demand occupations helping Iowans find good-paying, family-supporting careers,” said Gov Reynolds. “These funds may be used toward tuition, training equipment, books, tools, work-related supplies, and wrap-around supports, as well as administrative costs. I am proud to announce these awards to forty-six innovative projects with the potential of serving 1800 Iowans whose employment has been affected by this pandemic.”
“As with all CARES Act funding, these grant funds must be expended by December 30, 2020. “These training opportunities can enroll Iowans within a few weeks and participants will earn high-demand credentials, many by the end of February, 2021,” said Beth Townsend, Director of Iowa Workforce Development. “In order to supercharge our recovery, we need to make sure those most hurt by the pandemic through the loss of their occupation, are provided ways to develop new skills while in a position to earn wages, get off unemployment and provide for their families.”
The Coronavirus Relief Fund Grant programs support Future Ready Iowa’s goal of having 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce with education and training beyond high school by 2025. Approximately 60 percent of Iowa’s current workforce meets this education and training criteria. Visit www.FutureReadyIowa.gov for more information.
