Idaho launch grant program

EDUCATION – Amends and adds to existing law to establish the Idaho Launch Grant Program and to revise provisions regarding the In-Demand Careers Fund.

RS30041 / H0019

This bill expands the existing Idaho Launch program to high school graduates starting with the class of 2024. Eligible graduates can receive a grant of $8,500 to be redeemed at the workforce training provider, career technical program, community college, or college of their choice. Preference will be given to students pursuing in-demand careers based on job market data.

The bill also makes the following changes to Idaho law:

• Sunsets the Opportunity Scholarship program after July 1, 2023.

• Sunsets the Postsecondary Credit Scholarship July 1, 2023.

• Redirects any unused, appropriated Advanced Opportunities credits to the In-Demand Careers Fund.

This bill leverages and re-directs $102 million in existing budget capacity for the Idaho Launch Program:

• $80 million annually from the In-Demand Careers Fund as set forth in Section 63-3638, Idaho Code.

• $22 million in existing budgets freed up from the elimination of the Postsecondary Credit Scholarship and Opportunity Scholarship programs.

Bill Text

Statement of Purpose / Fiscal Note

Bill on Idaho Legislature site