About 104 VHS seniors have been offered enrollment in the new Idaho Launch program, with approximately 68 of them accepting the offer, joining thousands of other high schoolers across the state. Idaho Launch is a new program for high school seniors interested in pursuing education in specific, in-demand careers in hopes that it will increase the workforce in these industries. Students who are accepted into this program receive financial assistance in their educational journey, as the program will pay 80% of their fees, up to 8,000 dollars at certain eligible institutions.

In recent years, Idaho has been facing a shortage in its workforce, especially in technical jobs that are necessary for the success of the state in many industries. Without the necessary number of employees to carry out important tasks and jobs, the state has been at a standstill, unsure how to proceed. Though it is new this year, this program has already shown great potential. Currently, there is 75 million dollars to be used for Idaho Launch, making it possible for up to 10,000 students to receive this grant each year and proceed into the workforce in the following years.

For students to be eligible to apply for the program, they must be a current Idaho senior or high school graduate who is enrolled in or has applied to one of the institutions that has been approved for the Launch program in Idaho. This program promises to be incredibly beneficial to the state of Idaho, and to many students, providing them with financial aid and the state with a strong workforce. For those who wish to look into the program more, visit nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch.