LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Nevada’s community colleges are getting $3 million to expand paid internships and career training.
The Nevada System of Higher Education secured the funding through the Nevada Attorney General’s Office to establish NV FORGE, short for Fostering Opportunity, Resilience, Growth, and Entrepreneurship.
The funding will support students at the College of Southern Nevada, Great Basin College, Truckee Meadows Community College and Western Nevada College.
How the money will be used
The program will help pay for wages, stipends, tuition, transportation and other costs connected to internships, apprenticeships and hands-on training.
“This initiative will open doors for students who might otherwise have to pass up opportunities to gain experience in their chosen fields,” said Stephanie Goodman, chair of the NSHE Board of Regents. “We are grateful to the Legislature for recognizing the important role Nevada’s community colleges play in preparing students for their careers.”
The colleges expect to serve about 565 students over three years, including students entering healthcare, education, information technology, skilled trades and other fields.
The initiative will also help small businesses and nonprofits offer work-based learning opportunities they may not otherwise have the resources to provide.
MORE ON FOX5: CCSD reports gains in Advanced Placement participation and exam success
Funding source
NV FORGE was approved by the Nevada Legislature’s Interim Finance Committee. The money comes from a T-Mobile consumer-protection settlement administered by the Nevada Attorney General’s Office.
“The investments secured through our settlement with T-Mobile and Sprint continue to create meaningful opportunities for Nevadans across our state,” said Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford. “From supporting students pursuing STEM and education careers to empowering young women, these funds have helped strengthen our communities in many ways. Now, with this $3 million investment in NV FORGE, we are expanding those opportunities to Nevadans seeking skilled trades, entrepreneurship and a fresh start. This is about breaking down barriers, investing in our people and building a stronger economic future for all Nevadans.”
Plans at each college
Each of Nevada’s four community colleges will develop work-based learning opportunities tailored to the needs of its students and regional employers.
The College of Southern Nevada will combine career-readiness training with internships at local small businesses and nonprofits, providing student stipends and supplies. Priority industries include healthcare, hospitality, retail and information technology, with outreach extending to Mesquite and Moapa Valley.
Great Basin College will provide stipends and related assistance for clinical placements, internships, apprenticeships and student teaching across rural Nevada. Initial efforts will emphasize healthcare and education, helping students manage travel costs and reduced earnings while completing required training.
Truckee Meadows Community College will cover internship tuition and fees and reimburse participating employers for student wages. The program will expand employer partnerships and career preparation, particularly for students facing financial or other barriers.
Western Nevada College will provide wages and/or scholarships and expand employer partnerships in advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, diesel technology and education. The program will help students gain workplace experience while encouraging employers to sustain opportunities beyond the grant period.
“One of the strengths of NV FORGE is that each of our community colleges can build opportunities around the needs of the students and employers within the communities they serve,” said NSHE Chancellor Matt McNair. “Whether it’s helping a nursing student complete a clinical placement in rural Nevada or connecting a student with a local business for a paid internship, this investment will help more Nevadans gain the experience they need to move forward in their careers.”
NSHE’s Workforce Development and Community Colleges Department will oversee the three-year initiative and work with the colleges to track student participation, employment outcomes and employer partnerships.
Copyright 2026 KVVU. All rights reserved.
