DES MOINES, Iowa  – The Iowa Department of Education has granted $500,000 to fifteen schools in Iowa to help students earn industry credentials. The Iowa Department of Education is investing $500,000 to help students earn industry credentials including certificates, licenses, and valuable tools.

The Credentials to Careers grant program, started in 2024, has invested over $3.5 million to help support students earning industry credentials across the state. “By expanding opportunities to attain an industry-recognized credential in high school, the Department’s Credentials to Careers grant helps connect the classroom to the workplace,” said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. “Students earning portable, stackable credentials will be ready to succeed in in-demand, high-wage and public-good careers across our state.

The following schools will receive up to $50,000 in funding:

• Ballard Community School District
• Boyden-Hull Community School District
• Chariton Community School District
• Des Moines Public Schools
• Dubuque Community School District
• Durant Community School District
• Fort Dodge Community School District
• Glenwood Community School District
• Hinton Community School District
• Keokuk Community School District
• Knoxville Community School District
• Missouri Valley Community School District
• Starmont Community School District
• West Des Moines Community School District
• Winterset Community School District

Funding can be used for costs including student exam fees, instructional equipment, computer equipment and software, internet connections, installation costs, teacher training expenses, and curriculum enhancements.

36 other school districts have received funding for industry credential opportunities since the program started in 2024.