Lt. Governor talks with Idaho Falls High School students about new education opportunities

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - In a visit to Idaho Falls, Lt. Governor Scott Bedke met with local high school students to hear the student perspective on Governor Little’s proposed Idaho Launch program.

The program is part of Governor Little’s “Idaho First” plan which he proposed during his 2023 State of the State Address in early January.

It's one of the biggest investments in career and workforce training in State history. The program would provide eligible Idaho high school students $8,500 to pursue in-demand careers after graduation or receiving their GED.

"We feel that we keep Idaho, Idaho when there's an Idaho job waiting for every Idaho student. But finances is an obstacle for many of our kids," said Lt. Governor Bedke. "We want to remove those obstacles. There are businesses in the state, they're begging for employees that are trained."

nlike other educational programs-

Lt. Governor Bedke says it would give students in technical programs the same opportunities and incentives as those studying at universities. They're hoping to drive interested students towards the trades Idaho desperately needs.

"I think it's going to provide also an opportunity for students that don't technically want to go to a four year college," said Idaho Falls High School english teacher Jerica Hardy. "I think that is going to be an important component because not all students want to go to higher education and want to go to college. But they do need in high demand fields and we need them in the work field anyway."

 And students can use the funding at any university, community college, religious school or trade program in the state. So long as they study a subject that qualifies.

If approved by the legislature, grants would be available to Idaho students starting with the class of 2024.