LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Millions of dollars from a 2019 legal settlement with T-Mobile will fund student apprenticeships, workforce development programs and community initiatives across Nevada, state officials announced.
The Nevada Interim Finance Committee approved allocations Thursday for three major efforts: the Nevada Fiber Optic Apprenticeship program, the NV Forge Grant program for community college students, and an arts and retention initiative at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
The funding stems from an agreement Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford reached with T-Mobile in 2019, which established a $30 million charitable fund intended to boost entrepreneurial opportunities for women, minorities, and minority-owned businesses.
“I am thrilled that our Office’s agreement with T-Mobile has continued to provide workforce development for Nevada’s underserved communities,” Ford said in a statement. “These funds will offer new possibilities for Nevadans by equipping our residents with the tools necessary to compete in today’s workforce and help grow and diversify Nevada’s economy.”
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Under the approvals, the Interim Finance Committee designated $3 million for the NV Forge Grant program. The grant connects Nevada community college students with local small businesses and nonprofits while assisting individuals pursuing trade skill certifications and apprenticeships. Eligible participants include low-income, minority, women, and older students, as well as formerly incarcerated individuals reentering the workforce.
In Southern Nevada, lawmakers directed $473,838 to UNLV’s Student Retention, Teacher Recruitment, and Community Engagement program. Administered through UNLV’s School of Music, the initiative serves vocal performance students while promoting arts and culture for underserved children throughout Clark County. Funds will support student grants, establish connections with local business incubators and community partners, and help retain university graduates within the Las Vegas area.
Additionally, state lawmakers approved $500,000 for the Nevada Fiber Optic Apprenticeship program to train technicians in infrastructure deployment. The money serves as bridge funding ahead of larger disbursements from a $10 million allocation previously awarded to the Nevada Governor’s Office of Science, Innovation and Technology for tribal broadband initiatives.
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