Time is ticking to apply to Idaho LAUNCH

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Directors of the College of Eastern Idaho and Chamber of Commerce say time is ticking to apply to the Idaho LAUNCH program.

Idaho LAUNCH aims to inform high school seniors of their educational opportunities in high-demand, STEM fields like nursing, dental hygiene, plumbing and welding. 

The program works to motivate seniors to not only complete their higher education in Idaho but continue working here after graduation.

But, how can state colleges and universities keep their graduates in the Idaho workforce? 

"We've got really great businesses and we just need to sort of fill that gap and get as many great people in that gap as possible and bring it together," said Idaho Falls Chamber CEO Paul Baker. "That will really help our economy. But fundamentally, it will help protect what really makes, you know, the Idaho Falls area so great. It's just keeping our people here."

According to the Idaho State Board of Education, the go on rate in Idaho is 42% of graduating seniors and even less in rural communities.

Meanwhile jobs in fields such as cyber security are skyrocketing, but the state doesn't have the people with the skill-sets to fill open positions.

"There is a significant talent pool gap across several sectors here in the Idaho Falls, an area where employers are having to recruit talent from outside the state," said Baker.

"And our homegrown students are leaving to find education, employment options elsewhere. But wouldn't it be great if our youth stayed here? Wouldn't it be great that those born and raised in this community stay in this community so that we can ensure we keep the spirit of what makes this area so great?"

The Idaho LAUNCH program provides $8,000 to graduating seniors to pursue an education in a much needed career in any school within the state.

State senator David Lent says the Idaho LAUNCH program's test has proven provide more opportunities and push graduating seniors out of the poverty line.

"On average, the person entering LAUNCH over that three year period came in at about $22,000 per year annual income," said Lent.

"After one year in the program on exit, the average person was making $38,000 a year. So essentially we have moved them out of the poverty space into a living wage," Lent said. "Granted, it's not a whole lot, but we have started them on that step to progression and out of poverty, which is so key to the success of our communities."

They say the best time to enroll is before Nov. 30. Technically the last day to sign up is April 15, but if you wait, you could potentially miss out.

For more information about Idaho LAUNCH visit CEI LAUNCH or Next Steps Idaho LAUNCH Grant.