TOPEKA, Kan. (KSNW) — The Kansas Department of Commerce has launched a new program to address housing and workforce issues in the state.
The Fostering Residential Advancement through Mentoring and Education (FRAME) grant program will provide $2 million in funding to qualified Kansas technical and community colleges to build and renovate residential homes and train students in skilled trades related to home construction.
“Kansas has ushered in unprecedented levels of business investment, unlocking more workforce opportunities than we’ve ever seen before, but we don’t want a housing shortage to limit our potential,” said Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland. “This new grant opportunity will help build more housing in Kansas and create more opportunities for skilled professionals to put down roots in our state.”
A recent study conducted by the Kansas Department of Commerce and the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation showed a critical shortage of both housing and skilled workers to meet the demand. Statewide, contractors do not have enough labor to meet the demand for housing, and there is an urgent need for skilled labor.
“We believe the FRAME grant program has the ability to transform communities across the state,” Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. “Not only will we see added housing, but we are creating a pipeline of skilled workers who are essential to the future of our economy.”
The grant program offers $2 million in total funding, with individual awards ranging from $250,000 to $1 million per college. Applications are open for community and technical colleges with established construction programs.
Applications are open from Dec. 1 through Feb. 14, with a webinar scheduled for Dec. 3. Award recipients will be notified in March.
To learn more about the FRAME grant, click here.