Applications are now open for the Future Ready Iowa (FRI) Employer Innovation Fund, which aims to help Iowans earn postsecondary credentials that lead to high-demand jobs in the state. IowaWORKS encourages local employers, employer consortiums and community organizations to apply through IowaGrants.gov by Aug. 1.
“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 Governor Kim 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 Sept. 1.
“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.