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We love showing off the work that the Employer Innovation Grant can do! See how the Marion Economic Development Corp and Mercy Cedar Rapids partnered to help high school students get a head start on their health care career.

Last year, Governor Reynolds announced Iowa's first-ever Teacher/Paraeducator Registered Apprenticeship (TPRA) program to jumpstart careers in education across Iowa. The program helps current high school students and adult paraeducators earn credentials all while learning and working in the classroom. 

The program began in the 2022-2023 school year, with Governor Reynolds awarding $45.6 million to 134 school districts to begin their own RA programs and create over 1,000 new apprentices. TPRA creates an on-the-job learning environment for aspiring teachers, whether they're about to finish high school or graduate college. Current high school students will be able to earn a paraeducator certificate and associates degree, and paraeducators will be able earn their bachelor's degree.

Storm Lake is one of 134 Iowa school districts offering a new way to start a career in education. Take a look at the video below to see how the program is working to bring more teachers into the classroom and strengthen Iowa's education workforce.

Homes for Iowa is a program that helps returning citizens build the skills they need for their future while building houses for Iowans who need them. These formerly incarcerated men at the Newton Correctional Facility are gaining work experience in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC), plumbing, construction, and more while they create homes that qualifying Iowans can purchase.

Women are shaping the manufacturing industry across Iowa. Three Iowa business share how women have become an important part of their workforce and encourage others to consider a career in manufacturing.  Find more information about manufacturing careers at www.IowaWORKS.gov. 

The event at Camp Dodge, Iowa, featured guest speakers, and Home Base Iowa staff shared with our Veteran audience about the resources available to help them transition to a successful civilian career.