Gov. Kim Reynolds today announced the first awards for the Future Ready Iowa Summer Youth Intern Pilot Program for low-income students at risk of not graduating from high school. 

Five projects proposed by nonprofit and education institutions were awarded a total of $248,367 to host summer programs that prepare students for postsecondary education and training, including teaching employability skills. More than 100 students will be served.

The Iowa Summer Youth Intern Program was created under the Future Ready Iowa Act, enacted a year ago, as a way to develop Iowa’s skilled workforce. 

“The Summer Youth Intern Pilot Program highlights how engaging work-based learning helps under-served students explore and prepare for rewarding careers,” Reynolds said. “We want all students to have these life-changing opportunities that build connections to jobs and communities. This couldn’t happen without outstanding public-private partnerships making this summer program possible.”

The awardees are:
•Society of Saint Vincent de Paul of Des Moines: $39,100 to create a youth internship program that will link classroom training, on-the-job training and access to employers to help students develop employability skills faster. It will focus on opportunities in the trades as well as available registered apprenticeship opportunities.
•Des Moines Area Community College and the Evelyn K. Davis Center for Working Families: $70,000 for a program that targets low-income youths age 14 to 21 and develops life skills, job training and summer employment experiences while re-engaging in their high school education.
•Goodwill of the Heartland: $53,737 for a program that will allow youths to explore and prepare for high-demand careers through classroom and workplace training. Participants also will complete two job shadows and a 20-hour community-based internship in Cedar Rapids, Davenport, Iowa City and Burlington.
•Central College in Pella: $50,530 for high school youths to participate in a 10-week, high-demand career internship program in conjunction with Central College, Pella Corp. Precision Pulley & Idler and Vermeer Corp.  
•Iowa Laborers’ Education and Training Fund: $35,000 for a project that will increase the number of disadvantaged youths participating in a quality pre-apprenticeship program in construction. It will provide technical-skills training and include internships with Weitz Construction and Ryan Cos. in Cedar Rapids and McAninch Corp. and Core Structural Services in Des Moines.  

“The programs will provide at-risk youth with opportunities to develop those skills necessary to be successful in any workplace as well as expose them to high-demand job opportunities in our state,” said Beth Townsend, Iowa Workforce Development director. “They will learn on the job and connect with industry professionals and are a great work-based learning opportunity to help develop our skilled workforce.” 

For more information about Future Ready Iowa, click here.