Iowa issues $1.6 million in grants for high school internships

Twenty-six Iowa companies, schools and other organizations received grants for high school internships through the Future Ready Iowa program, Gov. Kim Reynolds’ office said Wednesday.

The grants were part of the Future Ready Iowa Summer Youth Intern Pilot Program, which aims to connect students at risk of not graduating from high school in internships in high-demand career fields.

“These projects not only expand students’ understanding of exciting career opportunities available in their own communities but strengthen the local talent pipeline for Iowa employers looking to grow,” Reynolds said in a news release.

The 26 grants total $1.6 million and are expected to fund 560 internships. Iowa Lakes Community College in Estherville received the largest grant, worth $246,720.

Recipients in Linn and Johnson counties included the New Bohemian Innovation Collaborative in Cedar Rapids, Koch Landscaping and Hauling in Solon and Goodwill of the Heartland and Metro Pavers in Iowa City.

Metro Pavers received the most funding out of Corridor recipients with $80,646, and others receiving between $49,000 and $63,000.

Geater Machining and Manufacturing in Independence also was given $49,387. Alliant Energy received $40,000 for internships in Marshalltown.

“Funding helps defray the costs to employers of implementing these short-term internship programs,” Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend said in the release.

“Employers get a significant return for their investments of time and resources as they develop relationships with future employees and help students learn skills needed in any workplace.”

Comments: 319-398-8394; john.steppe@thegazette.com