Idaho Gov. Brad Little

1. Eligible jobs, careers list
2. Program alerts, notifications

BOISE — A newly expanded Idaho Launch grant program will help graduating high school seniors fill in-demand jobs in agriculture, Gov. Brad Little says.

While many students, economic sectors and locations will benefit from the grants, “ag is one of the biggest beneficiaries,” he said.

“We as farmers will tell you that one of the really limited resources we have is mechanics and welders,” said Little, a rancher from Emmett.

Farm implement, heavy equipment and vehicle dealers also stand to benefit, among other employers, he said.

Food science and agriculture jobs are in demand, said Madison Hardy, Little’s press secretary.

Drivers and equipment operators, teachers, forest and conservation technicians, farm and ranch workers and managers, water system operators and many other jobs are eligible for education and training funded through the grants.

Little proposed and the 2023 legislature approved expanding the program. With about $75 million available, Launch could offer awards to 9,000 to 10,000 graduating seniors in 2024, according to a news release from the governor’s office.

The grants provide graduating seniors with a one-time opportunity to have 80% of their tuition and fees paid for after high school, up to $8,000. Students must enroll in apprenticeships, job training, community college and university programs that lead to in-demand careers.

Launch is “a game changer for our young Idahoans,” Little said. “These are real-world jobs that Idaho employers desperately need to fill.”

High school seniors can apply for the grants from Oct. 3 through Dec. 31.

Eligible recipients must live in Idaho and be on track to graduate from an Idaho high school, home school or GED program in 2024. They must have applied, or be enrolled in, an eligible institution and start by the first fall semester following graduation. They must complete a career-pathway plan at nextsteps.idaho.gov.