LAUNCH grants open next month in Idaho

Beginning October 3, high school seniors can apply for the Governor’s LAUNCH grant.

The grant provides high school seniors a one-time opportunity to have 80% of their tuition paid for — up to $8,000. Students must enroll in apprenticeships, job training, community college, and university programs that lead to “in-demand” careers.

This list of “in-demand” careers includes a very wide variety of more than 200 jobs, including electricians, bartenders, farmers, coaches and scouts, financial managers, civil engineers, authors and writers, and manicurists and pedicurists. Check out the full list here.

According to a news release from the Governor’s Office, $75 million is available through LAUNCH grants, offering awards to 9,000 to 10,00 graduating seniors in 2024. However, this is only enough funding for about half of Idaho’s seniors so if you’re interested in applying, don’t wait too long after the application window opens.

To qualify, students must:

• Be a graduate (class of 2024) from an Idaho high school, home school, or GED
• Be an Idaho resident
• Be enrolled in or have applied to an eligible Idaho institution
• Begin enrollment by Fall semester after graduation
• Complete a Career Pathway Plan at nextsteps.idaho.gov

Sign up for alerts about LAUNCH grants and learn more here.