Iowa Summer Youth Internship Grant Program

The Iowa Summer Youth Internship Grant Program is administered by Iowa Workforce Development (IWD) to support the creation and expansion of internship programs for youth between the ages of 14 and 24. The program is designed to provide structured, time-limited paid internships that allow youth to explore and prepare for high-demand careers across Iowa. These internships aim to help participants gain valuable work experience, develop key workplace skills, and earn credentials that can support their long-term employment success. The program is rooted in Iowa Code §84A.12 and was funded under Senate File 645, signed into law in June 2025. This grant opportunity prioritizes initiatives that serve youth at risk of not graduating high school, from low-income households, or from communities underrepresented in the Iowa workforce. Successful applications are expected to show strong capacity for partnership with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Title I Youth Program. Programs demonstrating their ability to co-enroll participants with WIOA, as well as those that reach underserved populations, are eligible for additional priority points during evaluation. Grant funds awarded under this program can be used for a range of eligible activities, including participant wages, training resources, educational materials, and administrative costs. Participants must complete a minimum of six weeks in the program, working at least 10 hours per week, and be paid at least $13 per hour to be eligible for wage reimbursement. Funds may also be used for training supplies and materials under $5,000 per category, along with coordination and administrative expenses, which are capped at 10% of the total award. However, funds may not be used for stipends, travel, marketing, ceremony expenses, or purchases over $5,000. Strict documentation is required for all reimbursements, including itemized receipts, timesheets, proof of payment, and employee agreements. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, employers, and community organizations located in Iowa. All internships must be conducted within the state. Applications must be submitted via IowaGrants.gov by 2:00 p.m. Central Time on February 16, 2026. A pre-application webinar is scheduled for January 22, 2026. The project period must last a minimum of six weeks between May 1 and August 31, 2026, while the anticipated award period runs from April 1 through August 31, 2026. Final reports, documenting program outcomes and use of funds, must be submitted by September 30, 2026. Applicants are required to submit various components through IowaGrants.gov, including narrative sections addressing program design, WIOA coordination, performance measures, and budget. Required attachments include letters of support, a completed W-9, and a detailed budget spreadsheet. Applications will be reviewed based on criteria such as project design, need, partnerships, and performance outcomes, with a total of 100 points possible. IWD reserves the right to make final funding decisions and may request additional information or clarification from applicants. For additional information or questions about the program, applicants may contact Melanie Johnson, Grants Program Coordinator at Iowa Workforce Development, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 515-725-9074. A direct link to the official Notice of Funding Opportunity PDF is available at https://workforce.iowa.gov/media/2945/download?inline.