Central Receives Additional Funding from Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund

by Central College

Pella, IA (12/12/2019) — Central College was one of 22 recipients of the Future Ready Iowa Employer Innovation Fund in a second round of grant funding that helps employers provide postsecondary training and education opportunities for their employees. The latest award was $27,500.

In August, Central was one of 13 recipients of the first round of funding for the development of the Pella Talent Pipeline Apprenticeship School, a collaboration between the college, community and business partners to build a holistic apprenticeship experience while meeting the workforce needs of area employers.

The apprenticeship school will provide core curriculum for high-demand occupations with the primary focus of providing wrap-around services, including mentorship, financial literacy, and character and leadership development, as well as a residential experience for individuals seeking apprenticeship opportunities after high school.

The Employer Innovation Fund to date has awarded grants in the amount of $955,900. A third round of funding for the remaining $244,200 is planned. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds announced the grants earlier this month.

"Future Ready Iowa provides Iowans with life-changing opportunities while simultaneously helping employers grow their local workforce talent pipeline," Gov. Reynolds says. "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 and high-demand career. We are excited about this program's initial success and see even greater opportunities for the future."