Idaho § 72-1205 - Idaho launch grant program

§ 72-1205. Idaho launch grant program

[EFFECTIVE UNTIL JULY 1, 2029] (1) There is hereby established the Idaho launch grant program to be administered by the council according to the provisions of this section. The purpose of the program is to provide education grants for eligible students.

(2) In order to administer the program, the council shall consult with necessary agencies to:

(a) Create and administer, or designate a third party to create and administer, a grant distribution platform;

(b) Establish a grant application process for eligible students. To ensure eligible students receive notification prior to postsecondary institution enrollment deadlines, the council may stagger applications so that initial grant awards are announced by December 31 in the year preceding an eligible student’s graduation from high school and that additional grant awards be made no later than June 30 of the academic year the eligible student graduates from high school. Additional grant award announcements may be made after such date based on the availability of funds;

(c) Award grants to eligible students, subject to legislative appropriation and to the following conditions, beginning with the graduating class of 2025:

(i) If eligible student applications exceed available funding in a fiscal year, grant awards shall be prioritized first based on the pursuit of an in-demand career and based on the highest rankings in the matrix established pursuant to section 72-1204 (j), Idaho Code;

(ii) If additional funds remain, prioritization shall then be based on an eligible student’s financial need as verified by the Idaho state tax commission using the prior year’s tax return, most recent income documents, or other criteria determined by the workforce development council established in this chapter; and

(iii) If available funding in a fiscal year exceeds eligible students, any unused appropriations may be used in accordance with section 72-1206 (4), Idaho Code; and

(d) Take other such actions as are necessary to implement and enforce the provisions of this section.

(3) Participants must expend all grant funds within three (3) years of the award date. Any remaining funds after a break in enrollment exceeding six (6) months or unused funds at the end of the three (3) year period shall revert to the in-demand careers fund established in section 72-1206 , Idaho Code. The council or its designated staff may grant an extension or exception by demonstrating to the council an extenuating circumstance, including but not limited to religious service, military service, structured volunteer service, or health or medical issues.

(4) No more than one half (1/2) of the initial grant award may be expended by a participant in any academic year; provided, however, that this subsection shall not apply:

(a) To a participant in a program that is less than twelve (12) months in length; or

(b) In other extenuating circumstances as determined by the council.

(5) Grant awards shall be capped at one (1) grant per eligible student.

(6) The council shall adopt policies outlining triggering events that may lead to earlier reversion of student grants or repayment grants, including but not limited to unsatisfactory academic progress, expulsion, or transfer to an out-of-state program prior to attainment of a credential or degree. Any reverted or repaid grants shall be paid to the in-demand careers fund established in section 72-1206 , Idaho Code.

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

[72-1205, added 2023, ch. 174, sec. 3, p. 464; am. 2023, ch. 272, sec. 3, p. 818; am. 2024, ch. 290, sec. 2, p. 986.]