Idaho § 72-1204 - Idaho launch grant program and in-demand careers fund - definitions

§ 72-1204. Idaho launch grant program and in-demand careers fund - definitions

[EFFECTIVE UNTIL JULY 1, 2029] (1) As used in this section through section 72-1206 , Idaho Code:

(a) "Board" means the state board of education.

(b) "Council" means the workforce development council established in this chapter.

(c) "Eligible adult learner" means an Idaho resident who is pursuing education or training for an in-demand career.

(d) "Eligible coursework" means courses or training necessary for the completion of a participant’s declared in-demand career.

(e) "Eligible education expenses" means student tuition and fees at an eligible institution for eligible coursework; however, in no case shall the council reimburse more than eighty percent (80%) of a program’s total tuition and fees or more than eight thousand dollars ($8,000), whichever is less.

(f) "Eligible institution" means a training provider as recognized by the council under the workforce innovation and opportunity act or the workforce development training fund. Eligible institution also means a community college established pursuant to the provisions of chapter 21, title 33 , Idaho Code.

(g) "Eligible student" means a student who:

(i) Is an Idaho resident;

(ii) Will graduate from an accredited high school or its equivalent in Idaho as determined by the board beginning with the spring 2024 graduating class;

(iii) Has enrolled in or applied to an eligible institution and begins enrollment in the fall semester following graduation, unless the council grants an extension for extenuating circumstances such as those outlined in section 72-1205 , Idaho Code; and

(iv) Has used next steps Idaho or an equivalent career exploration program accepted by the council and has completed a career pathway plan that meets the minimum requirements established by the council.

(h) "Grant" means an amount to be determined by the council that shall not exceed eight thousand dollars ($8,000) per eligible student.

(i) "Grant distribution platform" means a digital platform through which grant funds are transferred from the council to the account of a participant to be used for eligible education expenses.

(j) "In-demand careers" means careers that have a positive economic output for the state of Idaho and increase economic mobility for the people of Idaho. Factors including but not limited to the number of job openings, the rate of job growth, and the length of the training program shall be incorporated to create a matrix of careers and training programs that align to in-demand careers. Careers that require a postbaccalaureate degree for entry into the profession shall not be included in the matrix or as an in-demand career.

(k) "Participant" means an Idaho resident for whom a grant is awarded under section 72-1205 , Idaho Code, and who has met the minimum academic standards of, and has been accepted into, an eligible institution.

(l) "Program" means the Idaho launch grant program established by section 72-1205 , Idaho Code.

(m) "Resident" means an individual meeting legal residency requirements as defined in section 33-3717B , Idaho Code.

(2) The provisions of this section shall be null, void, and of no force and effect on and after July 1, 2029.

[72-1204, added 2023, ch. 174, sec. 2, p. 463; am. 2023, ch. 272, sec. 2, p. 817; am. 2024, ch. 290, sec. 1, p. 984.]