Gov. Kim Reynolds recently announced that 130 school districts statewide will be participating and receiving funding through the Teacher and Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship Pilot Grant Program, including Marshalltown, East Marshall, West Marshall, BCLUW and GMG Community School Districts locally.

This pilot program was announced by Reynolds in her January Condition of the State Address, and according to a press release from the governor’s office, it will serve more than 1,000 paraeducators and students in 134 schools.

“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,” Gov. Reynolds said in the press release. “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 grant program, which starts in the 2022-2023 school year, will allow high school students and adults to earn a paraeducator certificate and an associate’s degree, and paraeducators will be able to earn their bachelor’s degree while learning and working in the classroom.

Through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), $45.6 million will be granted to schools throughout the state.

“Growing our teacher and paraeducator talent pipeline helps ensure Iowa students have access to a world-class education today and into the future,” said Iowa Department of Education Director Ann Lebo in the press release. “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.”

For more details on the pilot program, visit https://educateiowa.gov/pk-12/future-ready-pk-12?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

The full list of schools receiving funding can be found at https://www.earnandlearniowa.gov/sites/default/files/2022-06/Teacher%20and%20Paraeducator%20RA_2022%20Grant%20Awardees_1.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.