The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) on June 30 announced the award of nearly $84 million in grants to 50 states and territories to increase the capacity of Registered Apprenticeship programs. An April 2025 Executive Order announced the Trump Administration’s policy goal to grow apprenticeship programs – an initiative that could benefit direct care workers, such as nursing assistants and home health aides, by offering enhanced training and alternative educational pathways beyond traditional four-year degrees. In its announcement, DOL noted:  

“This investment will further accelerate Registered Apprenticeship programs, incentivize the creation and ongoing success of programs, reduce barriers to entry for new employers and industries, foster innovation, and enhance overall transparency among Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders.”  

The Department’s press statement, which includes the list of grant recipients, is available here

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Kylee Childs
Kylee Childs, MSW, is the Director of Government Affairs.Since joining the association in 2023, she continues to be a fierce and resourceful advocate for aging services in Kansas. Her professional focus has always been service to others through advocacy. Kylee has a master’s degree in social work from the University of Missouri-Columbia, a bachelor's degree in criminology with a minor in Conflict Analysis and Trauma studies from Kansas State University, and a certificate in Grant Proposal Writing from Fort Hays State University. With a professional background in law enforcement and child welfare, and a successful 2023 legislative practicum with the Children's Alliance of Kansas, she brings rich professional experience to her role as Director of Government Affairs, and a front-line perspective on the needs of health and human services providers in our state. When not working, she's spending time with her two daughters. You can reach Kylee directly at 785.670.8051.