Central College was among 22 recipients statewide of the Employer Innovation Fund, a matching grant that helps employers provide postsecondary training and education opportunities for their employees. Governor Kim Reynolds announced the second round of Employer Innovation Fund Grants will distribute $568,000 to employers and employer consortiums across the state. A third round application period with $244,200 in remaining funds will close Dec. 17. Central College will create and implement programming that supports traditional students seeking alternative career pathways to high-demand jobs. This program is designed to support the challenges young Iowans face transitioning into full-time employment and offers additional credit earning opportunities at the same time. Central received $27,500 from the program part of Future Ready Iowa.

“Future Ready Iowa provides Iowans with life-changing opportunities while simultaneously helping employers grow their local workforce talent pipeline,” said Gov. Reynolds. “The program’s Employer Innovation Fund fuels grassroots innovation, empowering Iowa businesses and communities to create solutions that help Iowans find a good-paying job in a high-demand career. We are excited about this program’s initial success and see even greater opportunities in the future.”