Governor Brad Little has announced Idaho’s secondary and postsecondary career technical education programs were awarded $8 million in grants as part of his “Leading Idaho” initiative.
From welding to cybersecurity, nursing to vehicle maintenance, and nuclear operations to early childhood education and many other areas, high schools and colleges will be able to offer more in-demand career training opportunities for students across the Gem State.
The grants are on top of the $80 million the Governor and Legislature approved during the special legislative session in September for additional in-demand career training moving forward.
More than 140 secondary and 26 postsecondary programs applied for the grants. All applications were evaluated and prioritized based on data provided by the Idaho Department of Labor.
The Idaho Division of Career Technical Education identified recipients using a targeted approach. It reviewed regional and statewide data to ensure programs were supported to help regional employers fill their most high-skill and in-demand careers. Roughly equal amounts of grants were awarded to rural and urban districts. Applications that supported training for the top 250 occupations with at least 100 job openings or projected 25-percent growth were prioritized.
Locally, Potlatch Junior/Senior High School was awarded more than $103,000, while Lewiston High School is in line for more than $7,700.
