Aligning Career and Technical Education Programs with Industry-Recognized Credentials “Credentials to Careers Grant”
The Iowa Department of Education (Department), Bureau of Community Colleges and Postsecondary Readiness offers a competitive grant funding opportunity to local education agencies delivering eligible accredited secondary Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs that align with industry-recognized credentials.
The Department acknowledges the rapid pace of today's constantly evolving job market, along with the advancements in educational pathways within career and technical education (CTE) in improving student readiness and outcomes. If awarded, districts can use this funding to support the costs associated with students earning industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), which will better enhance readiness to attain substantial and consistent employment.
This nearly two million dollar grant program will help ensure aspiring graduating high school students are equipped with the industry-recognized credential(s) to empower them in securing meaningful and sustainable employment in Iowa and beyond. On a claim reimbursement basis, this competitive grant will allow accredited programs to develop, broaden and enhance CTE pathway programs and equipment-related needs in offering Department-approved IRCs.
Allowable costs for this opportunity may include
instructional equipment non-consumable instructional supplies computer equipment and software wired and wireless internet connections installation costs instructor training related to new equipment purchases instructor training expenses required to offer the desired credential(s) curriculum enhancements student assessment fees student-required materials
All expenditures must be directly related to the CTE program and aligned with at least one industry-recognized credential found on the Department-approved industry-recognized credential list .
There is no minimum or maximum grant award amount. The number of applications and budget proposals will determine the number and size of the grant awards. The total grant award amount may be pro-rated.
The current Department established list of IRCs contain traditionally well-recognized and universally accepted credentials that will further bridge known gaps between education and industry needs. These credentials are proven to provide advanced opportunities to learn (stackability), develop knowledge and skills (rigorous) and align to meet the needs of local and global industry (relevance and currency). Adding IRCs to the approved list will require a review by appropriate employers as these IRCs may be newer, less recognized or have a limited governance structure. Many credentials found on the Department-approved list are stackable, meaning they can build on previous skills and competencies through various stages of an individual’s education and training, ultimately leading toward an advanced credential or degree.
A grant application can be submitted if a desired IRC is not on the Department-approved list. The Iowa Industry Recognized Credentials Request Form must be completed in its entirety and submitted before or in conjunction with the submission of the application. If the proposed IRC submitted is not approved, any aspect of the application and budget pertaining to that particular IRC will be denied.
The deadline for submitting grant applications is Friday, February 16, 2024, at 11:59 PM.
A webinar hosted by the Department will cover the “Credentials to Careers” grant funding opportunity on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at 3:00 PM. Please register for the webinar, even if you cannot attend at that time as it is being recorded, and join using this link .
Questions about the grant can be directed to Dennis Harden, Section Chief, Bureau of Community Colleges and Postsecondary Readiness, at dennis.harden@iowa.gov.
