COEUR d’ALENE — Gov. Brad Little urged students and parents Tuesday at Coeur d'Alene High School to pay attention to the Idaho Launch program.

The governor stopped in during the All Things Senior event and delivered a short talk on the grant program.

"Keep your eye on the ball," he told about 100 people in Elmer Jordan Court.

Idaho Launch provides students a one-time opportunity to have 80% of the tuition and fees at an eligible institution covered, up to a maximum amount of $8,000.

With about $75 million available for Idaho Launch funding, the program could offer between 9,000 and 10,000 awards per year.

The Idaho Launch application process opens Oct. 3.

Little said it could have a huge impact for students looking to build the foundation for a rewarding career.

Idaho is expected to graduate about 23,000 high school students this year.

Little said, when he visits communities, business owners consistently tell him they would like to have more local, qualified employees.

Two-thirds of workers in Idaho are employed by small businesses with fewer than 100 employees.

Little said, in the old days, graduates could land lifelong careers close to home.

Today, they must often move away.

Little said the Launch program may change that trend.

It could mean Idaho students can earn a salary that will allow them to stay in their home state.

There is demand in fields like nursing, truck driving, information technology, electricians, welding and plumbing.

Idaho Launch could help them prepare for those fields.

"Go for it," the governor said.

Students can sign up for Launch notifications at nextsteps.idaho.gov/launch