Idaho Launch is delivering results — and the numbers speak for themselves. From more students going on, to stronger workforce alignment, we’re seeing the future of Idaho’s economy take shape. With strong accountability measures in place, we are receiving Launch data and digging into the results of this program designed to meet the in-demand workforce needs in Idaho.

So, what do we know so far?  Every legislative district in the state has students participating in the program. We have seen a 3% increase in Idaho’s go-on rate – the first significant positive result in the go-on rate since 2016.  Our Idaho community colleges have seen an 18% increase in their first-time freshman enrollment!  And our Career and Technical programs across the state have seen an increase of 672 students.  The workforce of tomorrow is on its way!

These students are choosing in-demand careers – exactly where Idaho employers need them the most.  Construction, welding, teaching, nursing, transportation, and engineering are just some of the areas chosen by our Idaho students!

The scholarship has allowed more students to opt into something after high school – money really is a barrier for many of our students.  We have more male students choosing to go-on, we have more students with GPAs between 2.7-3.7 going on, and even more students with GPAs below 2.7 choosing to take advantage of this program.  Are they succeeding? Yes!  Some legislative districts have experienced persistence rates for the first semester as high as 100%, with many others at 99%.  The lowest persistence rate of any legislative district is 94%.  On anyone’s scale, this return on investment is excellent for the Idaho taxpayer.

Is Idaho Launch working?  The early results seem to indicate yes. Let’s celebrate the early wins and continue to monitor the data as our students (the workforce of tomorrow) skill up in Idaho institutions to prepare for their future.

Visit https://idahobe.org/idaho-launch-statistics/ to view data for your legislative district.