Little hails Idaho Launch program

MOSCOW — Idaho Gov. Brad Little told Moscow High School students on Tuesday that the only factor holding back Idaho’s economy is the lack of a skilled workforce.

That is why he is hoping they will take advantage of the new Idaho Launch program that started Tuesday.

Speaking in the Moscow High School auditorium with Rep. Lori McCann in attendance, Little said the goal of the $80 million initiative is to make it easier for Idaho students to enter in-demand careers within the state, such as health care.

Students who apply can receive up to $8,000 toward workforce training, career technical certification, an associate’s degree or toward a university education. He said there are enough resources to financially assist 10,000 high school seniors.

“As the cost of education and the cost of facilities has gone up, this makes it where everybody can be the master of their own destiny,” he said.

He said it is the biggest single initiative from the state government as of late. He said it goes back to his early goal as governor to ensure those who want to stay and work in Idaho have the best possible opportunity to do so.

“That’s with education, quality of life and a rewarding career,” he said.

Little said those in the state government who had reservations about Idaho Launch are the same people who say the cost of education is too high. He said Idaho Launch helps level the playing field for students.

He said students who apply must fill out a career planning document and submit that to a workforce development council.

He said some jobs are more in demand than others, so they are going to be on a first come, first serve basis. To apply, students can go to nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch.

Toward the end of his visit, Little told MHS students that their school’s “go-on rate” of college-bound students is double the state average, which drew applause from the crowd.

Kuipers can be reached at akuipers@dnews.com.