New data confirms Idaho LAUNCH is expanding opportunity, strengthening Idaho's workforce

BOISE, Idaho ~ A recent study has confirmed that Idaho's LAUNCH program is having a positive impact on post-high school education and training for students in the state. Governor Brad Little announced the findings today, stating that the program is delivering on its promise to provide more opportunities for Idaho students and strengthen the state's workforce.

The LAUNCH program, which aligns with President Trump's Talent Strategy for America, provides funding to help recent high school graduates earn degrees and workforce credentials that are in line with Idaho's workforce needs. Previous research conducted by the Office of the Idaho State Board of Education showed an increase in enrollment at public colleges and universities after the program was implemented.

To determine whether these gains were a result of broader regional trends or a true increase in postsecondary education participation, a new analysis was conducted using national data. The results clearly show that Idaho students are enrolling in postsecondary programs at higher rates since the implementation of LAUNCH, surpassing trends seen in neighboring states.

Some key findings from the research include an 11 percent increase in in-state postsecondary enrollment among Idaho high school graduates after LAUNCH was implemented. This is significantly higher than changes seen in neighboring states. Additionally, while there was a 12 percent decline in enrollment at out-of-state programs, Idaho's overall postsecondary-going rate still increased, indicating that more students are pursuing postsecondary education than before LAUNCH.

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These changes are unique to Idaho and not part of a regional trend. Neighboring states did not experience similar increases in postsecondary participation or in-state enrollment, nor did they see declines in out-of-state attendance. This confirms that the changes are driven by Idaho's LAUNCH program.

Prior to LAUNCH, Idaho lagged behind neighboring states when it came to retaining graduates for postsecondary education. However, by 2024, Idaho had surpassed its neighbors and retained more graduates for postsecondary education.

Wendi Secrist, Executive Director of the Idaho Workforce Development Council, praised the LAUNCH program as a powerful example of how aligning education and workforce priorities can deliver real results. She stated that by facilitating LAUNCH, the council is helping to ensure that students are earning credentials that directly connect to Idaho's workforce needs. The research findings show that when financial barriers are lowered and training is aligned with in-demand careers, more Idaho students choose postsecondary education and choose to build their futures in Idaho.

Jennifer White, Executive Director of the Idaho State Board of Education, also highlighted the success of the LAUNCH program in creating clear and affordable pathways for students beyond high school. She noted that more students are choosing education and training after high school, and more are choosing to do it in Idaho. This not only strengthens institutions but also expands opportunities for families across the state and supports Idaho's long-term success.

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The research also revealed that approximately 75 percent of Idaho residents who graduate from an Idaho public institution are employed in the state one year after graduation. This further emphasizes the long-term impact of LAUNCH on the state's workforce.

The study also validated earlier findings using state-level data, showing similar gains when analyzed through newly available national datasets. This confirms that LAUNCH is not simply shifting enrollment patterns but is truly expanding opportunities, strengthening Idaho's talent pipeline, and delivering measurable results for both students and employers.

In conclusion, Governor Little expressed his satisfaction with the success of the LAUNCH program in fulfilling its promises and providing more opportunities for Idaho students while strengthening the state's workforce. With continued support from programs like LAUNCH, it is clear that Idaho is on a path towards long-term success.

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