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(Des Moines, IA) -- 19 Iowa school districts are receiving $45.64 million from the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Grant Program.
Governor Kim Reynolds announced Thursday the grants will serve more than 1,000 paraeducators and students across 134 schools, creating more than 1,000 new teachers and paraeducators. More information, including the list of districts receiving funds, can be found here.
In a press release from the Office of the Governor of Iowa, Governor Kim Reynolds states the following:
"The overwhelming response we received for this grant opportunity has been truly remarkable and is evident of the great interest and passion that lies within our students and paraeducators to jumpstart their careers in education. Through valuable partnerships, this program makes post-secondary educational opportunities available at the fingertips of high school students before graduating high school. And, we’re not done yet--this pilot program is just the beginning of what we hope will expand across the state."
The grants help high school students earn paraeducator certificates, associate's degrees, or bachelor's degrees while working in the classroom. The program will start in the fall of the 2022-2023 school year. More about the program can be found here.
"Growing our teacher and paraeducator talent pipeline helps ensure Iowa students have access to a world-class education today and into the future," says Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo. "I commend these school districts and postsecondary partners for their innovative plans to start registered apprenticeships that will inspire and support the next generation of educators in Iowa communities."
The Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Grant Program is made possible through funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.