DES MOINES, IOWA (June 21, 2019) — Today, Governor Kim Reynolds announced that the Future Ready Iowa (FRI) Employer Innovation Fund is now open for applications that help increase the number of Iowans earning non-credit and for-credit postsecondary credentials that lead to high-demand jobs. Applications can be prepared and submitted through IowaGrants.gov by August 1. Eligible applicants include employers, employer consortiums and community organizations.
“Powerful public-private partnerships will put Iowans on a path to new skills, a better career, and a great quality of life. Across Iowa, small businesses are shattering barriers and innovating like never before, and Future Ready Iowa will provide the talent pipeline to help them do even more,” said Gov Reynolds. “As we invest, grow, and encourage collaboration in the workforce, I am excited for what lies ahead.”
The Employer Innovation Fund will award grants to support initiatives that are innovative, creative, and accelerate postsecondary credential attainment for Iowans. Applicants are required to identify specific project goals that demonstrate measurable results in the proposal. Iowa Workforce Development will identify application panels to review and score the submitted applications. Awardees will be notified by September 1, 2019.
“When participants in this program carry out innovative ideas to support their local workforce, they will have a significant impact on the Future Ready Iowa goal of having 70 percent of Iowans in the workforce with education and training beyond high school by 2025,” said Director Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development.
Additional information:
- Employers, employer consortiums, community organizations and other entities can apply.
- Submission of an application does not a guarantee of an award.
- Applicants must be aligned with at least one employer.
- Qualifying initiatives will be tied to outcomes related to education, training and employment in high-demand jobs.
Potential applicants can find more information and apply for the Employer Innovation Fund at www.futurereadyiowa.gov/innovation.
