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DWS outlines ARPA‑funded student supports, EMS/paramedic grants and an apprenticeship hub launching next week
Summary
Workforce Programs Administrator Holly Simoney told the council about multiple funding streams and programs: a "Why Health Train" ARPA grant with up to $10,000 per eligible student, EMS/paramedic training grant levels ($2,500/$12,000), an ARPA pre‑apprenticeship stipend, and a modern apprenticeship hub launching during National Apprenticeship Week.
Holly Simoney, Workforce Programs Administrator, briefed the council on several program launches and grant windows intended to expand training pipelines.
Why Health Train: an ARPA‑funded initiative that prioritizes new enrollees to eligible healthcare programs, with application windows opening November 1 and awards of up to $10,000 that can cover tuition, books and supplies. Simoney said priority will be given to nurse and behavioral‑health pathways.
EMS/Paramedic training: the business training and support unit is developing an EMS/paramedic training grant; Simoney described proposed award levels of about $2,500 for EMS training and up to $12,000 for paramedic programs to address statewide recruitment challenges.
Pre‑apprenticeship and apprenticeship hub: ARPA pre‑apprenticeship funding can provide up to $1,500 per student plus support services; Simoney said a modern apprenticeship hub, which her team has vetted, will launch next week during National Apprenticeship Week to better connect youth and state education pathways to employers and state government opportunities.
Digital wallet and RFPs: DWS is partnering with the Department of Education on a digital wallet for credentials and micro‑credentials; Simoney said two RFPs are planned — one for a project manager and one for the software platform — and noted University of Wyoming conversations about a possible blockchain model.
Grants and systems work: Simoney summarized additional awards and investments — including a five‑year $10 million Disability Innovation Fund grant for Vocational Rehabilitation, an $888,000 reemployment services award, and multiple Unemployment Insurance grants focused on user experience, fraud prevention and Spanish translations — and noted DWS is building a new grant management system to reduce spreadsheet reliance.
Simoney asked council members to share program information widely with local partners and noted regular live Q&A sessions for applicants and stakeholders.
