The state awarded $379,000 in grants Friday through the Summer Youth Internship Program, which provides funding to employers, educational institutions and nonprofit organizations that sponsor internship programs for Iowa youths between the ages of 14 and 24. The grants will support eight projects across the state and an estimated 176 total participants. Priority funding was awarded to projects that included a focus on high-demand careers and the recruitment of at-risk youth participants, including youths who face barriers to success and upward mobility in the workforce, a news release said. “Not every business can provide paid internships, nor can everyone take an unpaid one. This program helps bridge the gap — supporting meaningful career paths for our at-risk youth while supporting their financial needs,” Gov. Kim Reynolds said in a prepared statement. In the Des Moines metro area, Des Moines Area Community College and Des Moines Independent Community School District received grants. The release said many awarded programs are also planning to co-enroll participants in the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act Title I Youth Program in their local area providing connection with local resources. The full list of awardees is available at this link.