Hawkeye Reporter

Gov. Kim Reynolds named the winners of awards of the Coronavirus Relief Fund Registered Apprenticeship Expansion grants and encouraged more projects to apply for grants. 

"The Registered Apprenticeship Expansion grants were awarded to 72 projects totaling $6,626,852," the State of Iowa said in a state press release. "The new Coronavirus Relief Earn and Learn Grant is now open for applications from nonprofits, adult training providers, small businesses (less than 50 employees), post-secondary institutions and unions. The purpose of the grant is to fund projects that support the creation and expansion of short-term training programs and support services resulting in industry-recognized credentials."

Projects eligible for grants need to serve Iowa residents that have jobs impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Iowa is a leader in Registered Apprenticeship programs and by leveraging additional federal resources, we are offering new opportunities to those affected by COVID-19,”  Reynolds said in the press release. “The Earn and Learn grant program looks to support innovative solutions and expansive pilot projects that help Iowans acquire the necessary skills for a successful career path. We will continue to partner with the private, public and nonprofit sectors to help those who have lost their jobs or careers because of the pandemic.”