666150 - 2025-2026 WBL-LIFT (Work-Based Learning Leadership & Investment for Field Training)
Funding Opportunity Details

Work-based Learning (WBL) Support & Expansion

Final Application Deadline: Jun 30, 2026 11:59 PM

Description

• Strengthening the Work-Based Learning Educator Pipeline Through Targeted Professional Preparation

  “2025-2026 AY – WBL-Leadership & Investment for the Field (LIFT) Grant Opportunity”

   

  Priority will be given to school districts identified with a Work‑Based Learning participation rate of 20% or below on the latest Postsecondary Readiness Index and that outline concrete strategies to expand WBL opportunities, advance educator credentialing, and build sustainable teacher recruitment and retention pipelines.

   

  Iowa school districts will have the opportunity to strengthen the educator pipeline for Work-Based Learning (WBL) through the WBL-Leadership & Investment for the Field (LIFT) Grant Opportunity. WBL-LIFT, or Work-Based Learning Leadership and Investment for Field Training, is designed to support the recruitment, preparation, and retention of career and technical education (CTE) educators by expanding access to WBL-focused professional development and credentialing pathways.

   

  This competitive opportunity will support efforts to increase the number of educators qualified to lead, supervise, and sustain high-quality Work-Based Learning programs in Iowa. Through this initiative, school districts may support professional learning and credentialing connected to the Multioccupations (MOC) Endorsement, the Work Experience Coordinator (WEC) Endorsement, and the Work-Based Learning Supervisor Authorization.

   

  High-quality Work-Based Learning depends on educators who are prepared to coordinate student experiences, build employer partnerships, manage program quality, and support safe and effective learning in workplace-connected settings. WBL-LIFT is intended to strengthen statewide capacity by supporting both early-career and transitioning teachers, while also helping school districts build stronger local systems for WBL delivery.

   

  School districts interested in this opportunity must complete an application through IowaGrants.gov. Applicants will be reviewed based on the established criteria for the opportunity. In determining awards, school districts must demonstrate clear and sustainable plans to increase access to WBL-focused professional development, credentialing, and educator support structures that contribute to local and statewide program quality.

   

  If awarded, school districts may use funds to support activities that recruit, prepare, and retain WBL-qualified educators. Allowable uses of funds may include costs associated with professional development, credentialing, endorsement coursework, training, educator support, and other approved activities that strengthen Work-Based Learning leadership and delivery capacity.

   

  This opportunity is intended to help school districts:

  • Increase the number of educators holding WBL-related endorsements or authorizations

  • Support early-career and transitioning teachers entering Work-Based Learning roles

  • Strengthen educator preparation tied to high-quality WBL program design and coordination

  • Improve local and statewide capacity to deliver sustainable, high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences

  • Build stronger systems for educator support, credential attainment, and program implementation

   

  By investing in educator preparation and credentialing, WBL-LIFT will help strengthen Iowa’s capacity to deliver authentic, high-quality Work-Based Learning experiences for students across the state. Expanding the number of WBL-qualified educators will support stronger school-employer partnerships, more effective coordination of student experiences, and increased access to career-connected learning opportunities.

   

  Funding for this opportunity is provided through Iowa’s Work-Based Learning Clearinghouse State Appropriation.

   

  On a competitive grant basis, this opportunity will allow school districts to expand educator access to Work-Based Learning-focused preparation, endorsements, and authorizations that support local program development and long-term sustainability.

   

  Questions about this opportunity may be directed to Jodie Smith, WBL and IRC Consultant, at jodie.smith@iowa.gov.

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