Grant Applications Open to Expand Rural Registered Apprenticeship Programs
TOPEKA – Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced $500,000 in Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Strong Economy (RAISE) funding to support the expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs across rural Kansas.
This new grant opportunity is administered through the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship and is available to the state’s educational institutions, businesses, nonprofit organizations, joint apprenticeship training councils and workforce boards seeking to attract and retain skilled employees through registered apprenticeships in rural areas.
“We have been purposeful in attracting new businesses to all areas of the state to advance economic opportunities for all,” Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “These grants will support further expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs in rural areas so we can continue to build our workforce, provide skill building and job opportunities for more Kansans and keep pace with our historic growth.”
Applicants can receive up to $100,000 in funding to support technical instruction, outreach, staffing, partnerships and administrative costs. A dollar-for-dollar match is required, and funded projects must be completed within a 12-month period.
“This grant ensures rural Kansas isn’t left behind,” Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Director Shonda Anderson said. “By expanding high-wage, high-demand registered apprenticeships in rural communities, we’re creating strong workforce pathways and supporting long-term economic vitality close to home.”
Registered Apprenticeship programs interested in applying must meet the following criteria:
- Must be a registered apprenticeship program in Kansas or commit to developing a new program within three months of receiving funding
- Must demonstrate a plan to engage existing or potential employers and apprentices residing in counties with populations under 50,000
- Must provide a 1:1 matching contribution
For more details and additional requirements, visit the webpage here.
Eligible Kansas Registered Apprenticeship programs are encouraged to apply. Applications will be accepted through April 17. To apply, click here.
About the Kansas Department of Commerce:
As the state’s lead economic development agency, the Kansas Department of Commerce strives to empower individuals, businesses and communities to achieve prosperity in Kansas. Commerce accomplishes its mission by developing relationships with corporations, site location consultants and stakeholders in Kansas, the nation and world. Our strong partnerships allow us to help create an environment for existing Kansas businesses to grow and foster an innovative, competitive landscape for new businesses. Through Commerce’s project successes, Kansas was awarded Area Development Magazine’s prestigious Gold Shovel award in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024, and was awarded the 2021 and 2022 Governor’s Cup by Site Selection Magazine.
About the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship:
The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship was established by Governor Laura Kelly on Sept. 6, 2022, through Executive Order #22-07. The Office supports apprenticeships across multiple industries to provide a highly skilled source of labor for employers and ensure occupational proficiency for career-seekers. The program incorporates on-the-job learning, technical instruction and mentorship to create long-term employment opportunities in Kansas.
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