Save the Dates: 2026 Summer Workforce Roundtables
This year’s workforce roundtables will build on last year’s discussions and focus on clear, actionable goals with follow-up. LeadingAge Kansas members will collaborate with community partners—including higher education, childcare coalitions, chambers of commerce, hospitals, and others connected to healthcare workforce challenges. These free events offer valuable networking while working toward local solutions for local issues.
Save the date for the session nearest you. Registration will open in May.
Monday, June 15
• Dodge City – 8:30–11:30 a.m.
• Hays – 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Tuesday, June 16
• Lindsborg – 9:00 a.m.–Noon
• Wichita – 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Wednesday, June 17
• Manhattan – 8:30–11:30 a.m.
• Kansas City – 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Grant Opportunities Available through Kansas Department of Commerce
Read more details on these available grant opportunities to support your workforce efforts.
- Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Grant Application – The Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship supports workforce needs by expanding existing and new programs in rural counties under 50,000 residents. This grant provides direct funding to grow programs, connect Kansans to careers, retain rural talent, and keep Kansas competitive.
- Eligibility – Existing or New Group Sponsors (such as a JATC) looking to expand/recruit from rural areas
- Application portal – https://www.kansascommerce.gov/workforce/kansasregisteredapprenticeship/registered-apprenticeship-guidelines-application/
- Due – April 17 at 5:00 p.m.
- 2026 KOA Small Business Grants – This grant specifically targets small businesses with less than 25 full-time employees and will provide $7,000 one-time grants to support the registration of New Apprentices in high-wage and high-demand occupations.
- Eligibility – employers under 25 employees looking to start a RAP (this is a great way to increase signatory employers that have been on the fence!)
- Application Portal –https://kansasdepartmentofcommerce.submittable.com/submit/334900/2026-kansas-office-of-registered-apprenticeship-small-business-grants
- Due – April 24 at 5:00 p.m.
As a reminder, Kansas nonprofits can apply for Apprenticeship grant funding on a rolling basis through the Kansas Department of Commerce. Contact Taylor Spangler with the Office of Apprenticeship for more information.
Kansas is Celebrating National Apprenticeship Week – Register Now for the Summit
Registered Apprenticeship Week is being celebrated with an Apprenticeship Summit on April 29 in Topeka! Speakers include:
- David Toland, Lieutenant Governor of the State of Kansas and Secretary of the Kansas Department of Commerce
- DeAngela Burns-Wallace, Ed.D. – President and CEO of the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation
- John Colborn – Executive Director of Apprenticeship for America
Seats are filling up – so register here: https://ksapprenticeship.org/national-apprenticeship-week/
KDHE First Quarter Collaboration Groups Follow Up
For those who have been attending KDHE’s Collaboration Groups for more information on nursing facility and HCBS Medicaid applications, you can find the follow up materials from the first quarter meetings below.
