OSIT, through STEM Workforce Talent Pipeline Grants, seeks to strengthen partnerships between industry, secondary education, and postsecondary education and workforce development resulting in sustainable training programs that provide in-demand, industry-recognized STEM training, skills, and credentials to students and lead to full-time jobs in STEM industries. The overarching goals of the grant program are to:
- Increase the number of students that earn STEM industry-recognized credentials shortly after high school graduation leading to entry-level employment in high-skill, high-wage, in-demand STEM industry sectors;
- Create a seamless transition from high school to postsecondary education that leads to increased STEM credential attainment among all students, but especially those students from underrepresented groups;
- Create sustainable and scalable models of secondary + postsecondary + industry partnerships that create talent pipelines to meet the needs of industry within the region; and
- Create systemic change by improving partnerships between colleges, school districts, and regional employers.
Applicants were required to form a consortium made up of the following three entities: 1) a public high school or public school district, 2) a public or private postsecondary workforce development or education institution or provider, and 3) at least one employer. The consortium will work together to leverage their collective resources and those of the grant to develop a STEM Talent Pipeline. Employer partners are required to offer a job interview to each program completer.
More information on the structure of the program can be
found in the Request for Applications document linked below.
Grant Information
Mater Academy of Nevada, East Las Vegas Campus was awarded $99,619.89 in consortium with College of Southern Nevada (CSN), Western Nevada College (WNC), and Intellatek Educational Technology Support, to create a new pathway for high school students. Students will earn credentials or certification in Security+, A+, Network+ and Security Essentials. Students will simultaneously earn post-secondary credits from CSN/WNC. This project affords students firsthand experience in cybersecurity and IT through work-based learning experiences, including job shadowing, internships, career days, career fairs, field trips, guest speakers, and interviews. The pathway will enroll thirty students in the first year, with goals of expanding 25-50% each year until full capacity in 2027.Completers will be prepared for college and career in the computer science industry, will take the End-of-Program Technical Assessment, and will receive Certificates of Skills Attainment along with a CTE Endorsement on their High School Diploma. Students can obtain CTE college credits as well as Industry credentials preparing them to enter a high skill, high need and high wage occupation that continues to grow rapidly. Dual Enrollment and CTE programs will be completed in 2- or 3-year tracks, with students having the opportunity to pursue more than one area of study.
ROC Foundation was awarded $136,197.50, in consortium with TMCC, NSHE, WCSD, and Renown, to create a new pathway for high school students to become Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) prior to graduating from high school, without incurring any student debt. This project affords students firsthand experience in healthcare, access to industry-recognized credentials, and opportunities for full-time employment in Nevada while still in high school. CNA certification also fills the first required step toward a career as an LPNs or RNs. The CNA Certification for High School Students will enroll 45 students across 3 cohorts to obtain technical and soft skills required to be a CNA, with at least 80% earning an industry-recognized credentials and acquiring full-time employment in Nevada as a CNA or similar role.