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The Idaho LAUNCH grant program aims to prepare you for Idaho’s workforce needs by providing grants for you to attend education and training programs in Idaho.

Applications are open until April 15, 2026Application Portal

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Idaho LAUNCH for Adult Learners

If you are not a high school senior this year and are looking for training opportunities our Idaho LAUNCH for Adults is for you! 

Idaho LAUNCH for Adults

Find your thing.

This is real money to make real money. Idaho LAUNCH gives you up to $8,000 for what’s next after high school.

Trade or technical. Two-year or four-year. It’s your call. This grant backs you so you can build the skills to land an in-demand job.

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Parents: Idaho LAUNCH Information

The Parent Playbook has been created especially for you as you guide your student(s) through their educational journey. Each resource has been thoughtfully created to provide support as you engage with your student and their postsecondary journey. The materials aim to assist students in successfully navigating their choices and help you, as the parents, gain a clear understanding of the exciting possibilities that lie ahead.

Parent Playbook

What will I do with my life?

It’s not an easy question to answer. That’s why we created Next Steps Idaho, and this guide. We help you connect students to what’s possible, and explore the many educational and career opportunities out there. We even cover how to pay for them. Inside, find resources for counselors, educators, and mentors like you, plus some how-to-nail-it tips for high school, including a quarter-by-quarter calendar with professional development ideas, monthly focus tasks, and important dates. 

Open NSI Guide

What dates should I remember?

From the application opening to closing please review the important dates associated with the Idaho LAUNCH Grant.

October 1

Idaho LAUNCH application opens

November 30

Priority Deadline. Funds are limited so apply early!

April 15

Idaho LAUNCH application closes

May 31

Career Pathway Plans due

How much money can I receive?

There is approximately $75 million available for Idaho LAUNCH funding. This means that it is possible the state may fund between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year. 


Students can receive up to one half ($4,000) of the initial grant award in the first year of a program. However, for programs that are less than 12 months in length, students can use the full awarded amount (80% of tuition and fees up to $8,000) in one year.

What do I need to do before I apply?

The Idaho LAUNCH grant program aims to prepare you, the student, for Idaho’s workforce needs by providing grants for you to attend education and training programs in Idaho. Check out the information below for the path to the Idaho LAUNCH grant.

Download a Checklist

  • Make sure you’re eligible

    • Be a graduate from the current high school graduating class of an Idaho public school, charter school, private school, home school, or GED program (under the age of 21 by April 15 of the current year)
    • Be an Idaho resident
    • Be enrolled in or have applied to an eligible Idaho institution 
    • Begin enrollment by fall semester after graduation 
    • Complete a Career Pathway Plan

  • Explore Career Options

    Look over in-demand careers in Idaho or take a quiz to see what job works for you.

    Browse All CareersIn-Demand Careers 2026Career and Interest Quizzes

  • Find a program and provider

    Find an approved Idaho LAUNCH program and training provider that fit where you want to go. 

    Providers and Programs

  • Complete a Career Pathway Plan

    Complete the career pathway plan on your Next Steps dashboard or talk with your counselor if your school has a different method of selection. This is due by May 31st.

    Next Steps DashboardHow to PDFWhich method of selection does my school use?

How do I apply?

You will need to apply for the Idaho LAUNCH grant for students through Scholarship Idaho, the common application tool for Idaho's sponsored grants and scholarships.

Application Portal

Scholarship Application Guide

Learn about the materials to prepare and how/when to start applications for the Idaho Opportunity Scholarship and Idaho LAUNCH grant programs.

Scholarship Application Guide

What happens after I apply?

1

Wait for updates

Watch your inbox for updates, clarifications about your application, and notice of your award status.

TIP: Use a personal email when signing up for your account. Preferably a Gmail account, please don’t use iCloud due to storage issues.

2

Accept offer

Accept the contingent award within (2 ) weeks of receiving your notification. 

TIP: You will not receive the offer unless you accept it.

3

Stay on Track

To be able to receive any funds, you will need to graduate from high school and complete your other eligibility requirements.

TIP: If you are getting your GED complete it by June 15 to remain eligible. Check other eligibility requirements here.

4

Receive Your Funds

Go to the Idaho Grant Management System to accept your final offer.

Idaho Grant Management System

TIP: Before accepting your offer, prepare to upload documentation for your identity, residency, and graduation.

Already have an Idaho LAUNCH grant?

You will need to go to the Idaho Grant Management System, not the scholarship application portal to manage your funds. 

Idaho Grant Management System
Already have an Idaho LAUNCH grant?

FAQ

A version of Idaho LAUNCH has been around for approximately 3 years – this program has served adults seeking to upskill or change careers. It is referred to as Idaho LAUNCH for Adults.

Idaho LAUNCH for High School Seniors is new this year! The graduating class of 2024 will be the first cohort invited to participate in this program. Idaho LAUNCH for High School Seniors aims to connect high school seniors with in-demand careers throughout Idaho. Keep an eye out for program updates throughout the year as we “launch” this initiative.

 

 

 

 

The Idaho LAUNCH application opens on October 1, 2024 and closes on April 15, 2025.
Contingent Award Letters are contingent upon verification of eligibility. There will be three rounds of Contingent Award Letters.

Final Award Letters will be issued in June 2025 after eligibility is verified. Please be sure to use an active email address when applying for Idaho LAUNCH funds.

 

 

 

 

No, applying for FAFSA is not a requirement for this grant. However, Idaho LAUNCH will only cover 80% (up to $8,000) of a program’s tuition and fees. The remaining program costs and Room/Board fees may be paid by other financial aid and scholarship opportunities.

 

 

 

 

Students will receive email notifications from Scholarship Idaho. It is vital for students to have an active email address that they check regularly to ensure they do not miss any notifications that may require their attention.

 

 

 

 

Prioritization will be based on in-demand careers and financial need. Applications will be ranked based on the program a student selects during the application process and how/if it connects to the list of in-demand careers approved by the Idaho Workforce Development Council (reviewed and approved annually).

 

 

 

 

  1. Urgent questions can be directed to Sherawn Reberry (sherawn.reberry@wdc.idaho.gov).
  2. Please email all other questions to idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov.

 

 

 

 

Full Page of FAQs

Learn more about paying for college.

There are many ways to pay for your education.

You can use scholarships, grants, loans, and other options. Learn about education costs and find financial aid you may qualify for.

Visit the Financial Aid Hub
Learn more about paying for college.

Unanswered Questions?

If you have questions please don't hesitate to reach out to our Idaho LAUNCH team. We are here to assist you with your questions.

idaholaunch@wdc.idaho.gov
208-488-7599