Notice of Funding Opportunity
State Agency Name: Iowa Department of Workforce Development
Funding Opportunity Title: Statewide Intermediary Work-Based Learning Grant
IMPORTANT DATES ● Deadline: Grant applications are due by June 2, 2023, at 11:59 a.m. Central Standard Time
● Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) will host a webinar to provide information and an opportunity for a live Q&A on Thursday, May 11th, 10:00 – 11:00 am CST.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The purpose of the Statewide Intermediary Work-Based Learning Network is to prepare students for the workforce by facilitating cooperation and collaboration among businesses and entities within the state system of education. This is done by offering relevant, work-based learning activities to students and teachers from all school districts in Iowa. (See Iowa Code §256.40 (2).
This program supports the coordination of career fairs, job shadows, classroom speakers, internships, registered apprenticeships, quality pre-apprenticeship and other work-based learning experiences. The focus of program is to establish or expand work-based learning by creating connections and relationships between students and employers; facilitate coordinated work-based learning efforts across the state; and help school districts and employers design and implement authentic work-based learning plans.
The funding is for a 12-month period, beginning July 1, 2023, and ending June 30, 2024.
Work-based learning is a priority initiative for the Governor and the State of Iowa. According to Iowa’s Area Education Agencies, the number of students exiting high school without a post-secondary plan continues to increase every year. Additionally, the number of students who enroll in a post-secondary training program, is also declining. Work-based learning is a continuum of activities and experiences that are intended to prepare students for the workforce and help them develop meaningful post-secondary career plans based on meaningful work experiences. The goal of this program is to support students in expanding their awareness of career opportunities in Iowa and the training programs available to them. The responsibilities of the intermediary network include the following.
Prepare students to make informed postsecondary education and career decisions.
Provide communication and coordination to build and sustain relationships among employers and local youth within the education system and the community at large.
Connect students to career opportunities within the state creating a skilled and available workforce.
Provide a one-stop contact point for information useful to both educators and employers, including information related to internships, job shadowing experiences, registered apprenticeships and other workplace learning opportunities in high demand industries.
Integrate services provided through the program with other career exploration-related activities through work-based learning opportunities.
Facilitate the attainment of portable credentials of value to employers.
Develop work-based capacity with employers.
Provide core services, which may include job shadowing, internships, registered apprenticeships, and other opportunities for students to engage in meaningful ways with employers.
As a condition of receiving moneys appropriated under this funding opportunity, the subrecipient of the funds shall:
Utilize the data collection process identified by Iowa Workforce Development to record all activities related to employers and schools (training and technical support will be provided).
Attend required meetings hosted by Iowa Workforce Development.
Participate in registered apprenticeship, pre-apprenticeship and internship trainings, meetings, and technical assistance opportunities.
Attend at a minimum, quarterly business services meetings at local IowaWORKS Centers.
Work in collaboration to lead regional work-based learning efforts with School Districts, Community Colleges, IowaWORKS Centers, Local Workforce Development Boards, Sector Board Partnerships, Economic Development, Governor’s STEM Council and other area stakeholders to meet regional needs.
Conduct a universal school district needs assessment in August 2023 and April 2024. This needs assessment will be used to identify high-priority school districts and shape future direction.
Funding Priorities
Priority will be given to applicants who demonstrate the ability to prioritize the following:
· Facilitate the development and support of work-based learning structures, capacity and programs with area high schools and employers with the goal of sustainability.
· Provide technical assistance and on-going guidance to high-schools and employers for the establishment of pre-apprenticeship, registered apprenticeship, and internship programs for high school students.
· Prioritize work-based learning activities that focus on middle and high school students.
AWARD INFORMATION
Estimated Available Funds
The State of Iowa has identified $1,450,000 to support the Iowa Intermediary Work-Based Learning Grant. The source for funding will be the statewide work-based learning intermediary network fund in the state treasury under the control of the department of workforce development.
Estimated Award Amount
Grant funding awarded through IWD may be up to $96,666 per region served.
Project and Award Period
The project period is July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024. Upon approval of the grant award and project plan, the entire amount of approved funding is provided to the awardee. Costs incurred prior to July 1, 2023, or after June 30, 2024, will not be eligible expenses. Awardees must provide a detailed report of the progress of the project and the use of funds on a quarterly basis, beginning from the date the Memorandum of Understanding between the applicant through June 30, 2024.
Project and Award Period
Funds can be used for expenses related to the successful implementation of the program. This includes staff salary and benefits, transportation, materials and supplies, and other related expenses. These expenses need to be identified and explained in the grant budget and budget spreadsheet for the grant application.
Cost Sharing or Matching Funds
Applicants are required to match the funds received with financial resources equal to at least 25% of the amount of funds received at the time of application submission. The financial resources used to provide the match may be private donations, in-kind contributions, or public funds other than the grant funds received from this grant opportunity. Documentation of the availability of matching funds must be included as an attachment with the grant proposal. Approved documentation for verification of matching funds includes a letter of explanation detailing the dollar amount from a third-party financial institution, a bank statement or letter from a Certified Accountant showing the funds available for the purpose of the grant.
ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS
Eligible applicants include Iowa educational organizations, community colleges, non-profit organizations, local workforce development boards, other entities with the capacity to coordinate and provide relevant and required work-based learning activities as described in this notice of funding, to all school districts in a community college region. Grantees must comply with all applicable provisions of State and federal laws pertaining to nondiscrimination, sexual harassment, and equal employment opportunity.
