Gov. Kim Reynolds announced a grant program of up to $1.5 million to provide opportunities for high school students to explore their future careers. The Statewide Intermediary Work-Based Learning Grant program will fund programs that allow students to experience one-on-one contact with potential employers and make informed decisions about postsecondary education and careers. The grant is open to Iowa educational organizations, community colleges, nonprofit organizations, local workforce development boards, and any other entity that can provide students with sustained interactions with industry or community professionals in a real worksite environment. Work-based learning programs include internships, job shadowing experiences, apprentice occupations or other workplace learning opportunities in targeted industries. The goal of the grant is to increase awareness of career opportunities in local communities for students and help employers build relationships with potential future employees. Grant funding may be used for expenses related to implementing a work-based learning program, including staff salary and benefits, transportation, materials and supplies, or other related expenses. Interested parties can apply for funding through IowaGrants.gov until 11:59 a.m. on June 2 and can ask questions during a webinar scheduled for May 11 from 10 to 11 a.m.