PRATT&nbsp;– Exclusive access to land not normally open to hunting and above average success rates.&nbsp; Sound like an expensive hunting lease? Well, it’s not. 

The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ Special Hunts program provides hundreds of such hunts each fall and winter, and what’s even better? There’s no charge – all you have to do is apply and be selected.

KDWP’s Special Hunts program offers hunting opportunities with limited access to public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey and furbearers.

Applications must be made online here,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.Kil5HYv5kK_8M4-qnZlKbZFrNdeslitp7LTJF0bNdqg/s/1303161001/br/222439233164-l" target="_blank">https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/2023-Fall-Winter-Hunts</a>, and a random drawing will determine who is selected.

This fall and winter, KDWP is offering more than 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities.

The application period opened July 8, 2023, with the application draw dates as follows:

Resident or nonresident hunters may apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date and category, which include “Open,” “Youth,” or “Mentored” hunts. 

All applicants are eligible to apply for Open Hunts, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth Hunts require parties to include at least one hunter age 18 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 21 or older (who may not hunt). And Mentored Hunts are open to both youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor age 21 or older (who may also hunt).

E-mail notifications are sent to both "successful" and "unsuccessful" applicants within two business weeks of the drawing. Successful applicants will also be emailed their hunt permit, as well as area maps and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law.

For more information on KDWP’s Special Hunts Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9TcGVjaWFsLUh1bnRzLUluZm9ybWF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDcxMC43OTQ1ODYwMSJ9.3DLZegaoSziEO8p2V1RexwOT4nCg7Km21brLcFdDr-s/s/1303161001/br/222439233164-l" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/7/1689103843455.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>KDWPPRATT&nbsp;– Exclusive access to land not normally open to hunting and above average success rates.&nbsp; Sound like an expensive hunting lease? Well, it’s not. The Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks’ Special Hunts program provides hundreds of such hunts each fall and winter, and what’s even better? There’s no charge – all you have to do is apply and be selected.KDWP’s Special Hunts program offers hunting opportunities with limited access to public and private lands, including select refuge areas, for deer, upland game, waterfowl, doves, turkey and furbearers.Applications must be made online here,&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.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.Kil5HYv5kK_8M4-qnZlKbZFrNdeslitp7LTJF0bNdqg/s/1303161001/br/222439233164-l" target="_blank">https://programs.ksoutdoors.com/2023-Fall-Winter-Hunts</a>, and a random drawing will determine who is selected.This fall and winter, KDWP is offering more than 350 individual “Special Hunt” opportunities.The application period opened July 8, 2023, with the application draw dates as follows:<ul>
 <li>First Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in September and October) –&nbsp;Aug. 7, 2023</li><li>Second Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in November and December) –&nbsp;Sept. 25, 2023</li><li>Third Draw Hunts (hunts occurring in January and February) –&nbsp;Dec. 11, 2023</li>
 </ul>Resident or nonresident hunters may apply, though some hunts are restricted to residents only. When applying online, hunters will select hunts by species, date and category, which include “Open,” “Youth,” or “Mentored” hunts. All applicants are eligible to apply for Open Hunts, regardless of age or hunting experience. Youth Hunts require parties to include at least one hunter age 18 or younger, accompanied by an adult age 21 or older (who may not hunt). And Mentored Hunts are open to both youth and novice hunters supervised by a mentor age 21 or older (who may also hunt).E-mail notifications are sent to both "successful" and "unsuccessful" applicants within two business weeks of the drawing. Successful applicants will also be emailed their hunt permit, as well as area maps and other pertinent information. Hunters are responsible for purchasing necessary licenses and permits required by law.For more information on KDWP’s Special Hunts Program, visit&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDIsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8va3NvdXRkb29ycy5jb20vSHVudGluZy9TcGVjaWFsLUh1bnRzLUluZm9ybWF0aW9uIiwiYnVsbGV0aW5faWQiOiIyMDIzMDcxMC43OTQ1ODYwMSJ9.3DLZegaoSziEO8p2V1RexwOT4nCg7Km21brLcFdDr-s/s/1303161001/br/222439233164-l" target="_blank">https://ksoutdoors.com/Hunting/Special-Hunts-Information</a>.

KDWP to offer special hunting access to exclusive land

If you're relying upon Facebook for your local news, you are missing out!

Click <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/188842?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid">HERE</a> for instructions on how to bookmark Post on your Android device.

Click <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/bookmark-favorite-webpages-iph42ab2f3a7/ios">HERE</a> for instructions on how to bookmark Post on your Apple device.

Or download our native app on Google Play or iTunes!

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>If you're relying upon Facebook for your local news, you are missing out!Click <a href="https://support.google.com/chrome/answer/188842?hl=en&amp;co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid">HERE</a> for instructions on how to bookmark Post on your Android device.Click <a href="https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/bookmark-favorite-webpages-iph42ab2f3a7/ios">HERE</a> for instructions on how to bookmark Post on your Apple device.Or download our native app on Google Play or iTunes!<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1667836816364.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

How to bookmark a Post site on your mobile device

Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner?&nbsp;

The North Platte Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking a news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to —&nbsp;their community and audience.

This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the North Platte and Ogallala coverage area for our five radio stations and NorthPlattePost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the news director will work closely with the operations manager, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers, and the video team. &nbsp;

Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.

<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=454725&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">APPLY HERE</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Do you want to be part of creating a better experience where you live, work and play? Why not grow with a company where you are not just an employee, but where you can be an owner?&nbsp;The North Platte Media Center at Eagle Communications is seeking a news director to help grow our newsgathering and publishing operations for our local radio properties and market-leading news site. We are looking for a journalist who understands and loves the local relationship with — and responsibility to —&nbsp;their community and audience.This position will be an integral part of the day-to-day newsgathering operations for the North Platte and Ogallala coverage area for our five radio stations and NorthPlattePost.com. Collaboration is key at Eagle, and the news director will work closely with the operations manager, market manager, marketing consultants, programmers, and the video team. &nbsp;Responsibilities:<ol>
 <li>Ensure reliable coverage of North Platte-area local news, and community events</li><li>Guide and promote creativity and good programming practices with on-air and digital peers</li><li>Broadcast news coverage&nbsp;</li><li>Publish text, visual and&nbsp;audio content&nbsp;to NorthPlattePost.com</li><li>Help maintain a growing&nbsp;social&nbsp;media presence on North Platte Post Facebook page, being responsive to posts and messages</li><li>Providing Talent for Live Broadcasts for our clients</li><li>Handling Severe Weather Coverage for our county coverage area in North Platte and Ogallala Region</li><li>Attend City Council and community meetings as needed in North Platte and Ogallala</li>
 </ol>Experience:<ol>
 <li>News writing and on-air experience preferred; photography and video skills a plus</li><li>Knowledge of social media platforms and ability to learn Eagle’s proprietary content management system</li><li>Knowledge of radio production preferred</li><li>Excellent communication skills</li>
 </ol>Compensation:Compensation is commensurate with experience along with a competitive benefits package including health insurance, 401(k), paid vacation and Employee Stock Ownership Plan.Other Information:&nbsp;Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. The selected candidate will be required to pass a criminal history background check and motor vehicle check. Eagle Communications is an Employee-Owned company and an EEO employer.<a href="https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7c09ab04-f576-4f5a-bdb8-f914cdd1f344&amp;ccId=19000101_000001&amp;jobId=454725&amp;lang=en_US&amp;source=EN">APPLY HERE</a>

Eagle seeks news director for Nebraska communities

UPDATE: Maintenance has been completed. Thanks you for your patience.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a> will be offline for planned server maintenance at 11 a.m. Thursday.

The downtime is expected to be approximately five minutes.

We thank our readers for their patience as we make these improvements.

UPDATE: Maintenance has been completed. Thanks you for your patience.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/post-news-network">Post News Network</a> will be offline for planned server maintenance at 11 a.m. Thursday.The downtime is expected to be approximately five minutes.We thank our readers for their patience as we make these improvements.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/4/1587155364471.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Post News Network will have planned downtime Thursday

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.

The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.

The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies.

"Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery.

"The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."

To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809523581.png" alt="Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive." />
 <figcaption>Lori and Pat Loney, Red Cross volunteers from Derby, Kansas, arrived in Florida on Saturday morning following a 20+ hour drive.</figcaption>
 </figure><div><a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">
<img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664837188306.png"/>
</a></div>To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click&nbsp;<a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a>&nbsp;or the image above to donate online.The Robert E. And Patricia Schmidt Foundation recently donated $25,000 to the American Red Cross to help support recovery efforts following Hurricane Ian.The Red Cross has dispatched multiple vehicles, which will most likely be deployed for weeks, and the foundation's gift will help support the volunteers manning the vehicles and help restock supplies."Our hearts go out to those effected by this devastating storm," said Schmidt Foundation Chairman Gary Shorman, "and we offer our sincere thanks to the Red Cross for offering much-needed assistance during this recovery."The mission of the Red Cross is an admirable one, and we'd urge our communities to do what they can to help by donating."To make a donation in support of the effort text "IAN" to 90999 or click <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/cm/eagleradioschmidt-pub.html/">HERE</a> to donate online.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/10/1664809714527.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Schmidt Foundation gift will aid Ian recovery efforts

TOPEKA – As part of Life Insurance Awareness month, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt highlights a lost and found search program that can have a significant financial impact on a family. 

Kansans can use this program to search among millions of dollars in unpaid life insurance policy funds.

“Purchasing life insurance is an important financial stability tool for families,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator helps Kansans locate lost or unknown policies.”

The Life Insurance Policy Locator is a free service provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Individuals can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal first name, legal last name, date of birth and date of death of a deceased individual. Searches can be performed at <a href="http://eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator">eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator</a>.

If you have questions or concerns about a missing life insurance policy, please call the Kansas Insurance Department at 1-800-432-2484. To learn more about life insurance visit <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/">insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/</a>.

TOPEKA – As part of Life Insurance Awareness month, Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt highlights a lost and found search program that can have a significant financial impact on a family. Kansans can use this program to search among millions of dollars in unpaid life insurance policy funds.“Purchasing life insurance is an important financial stability tool for families,” said Insurance Commissioner Vicki Schmidt. “The NAIC Life Insurance Policy Locator helps Kansans locate lost or unknown policies.”The Life Insurance Policy Locator is a free service provided by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Individuals can perform a nationwide search for missing life insurance funds by providing the social security number, legal first name, legal last name, date of birth and date of death of a deceased individual. Searches can be performed at <a href="http://eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator">eapps.naic.org/life-policylocator</a>.If you have questions or concerns about a missing life insurance policy, please call the Kansas Insurance Department at 1-800-432-2484. To learn more about life insurance visit <a href="http://insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/">insurance.kansas.gov/life-viatical/</a>.

Millions in life insurance funds still unclaimed in Kansas

TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Monday encouraged Kansas businesses&nbsp;to participate in the application process for more than $130 million in grants to support businesses affected by the pandemic and enable companies to expand broadband access in the state.

&nbsp;The portal to apply&nbsp; opens at noon Wednesday, August 19 on the<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/"> Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) website.</a>

The application portal for the SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs will appear <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/">online here.</a>

“This is an opportunity to revitalize our economy and for businesses to receive some necessary relief,”&nbsp;said Kelly.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage business owners to apply first thing Wednesday if they are eligible.”

In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.&nbsp;

This pandemic has affected each sector differently, with industries having distinct needs. Therefore, applications for grants are being made available in the following categories:

Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.&nbsp;

The Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers, and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.&nbsp;

The PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.

PPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new businesses while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.

Kansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience-related companies developing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic, therapeutic and medical countermeasures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote business services.

The Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible.&nbsp;

This Domestic Supply Chain Fortification grant will help offset the business disruptions to Kansas companies’ supply chains caused by COVID-19 and assist with relocating jobs to Kansas from outside of the US. Where appropriate, this grant program would be offered in addition to existing incentive programs (PEAK, KIT, HPIP, etc.) to improve the state’s competitiveness.

To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing, and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity, and IT project management.&nbsp;

This program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations.

Details on each category, including award amounts, proposal requirements, eligibility, and more can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fcovidrelief&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfa18b367c41e4b11889408d843945f79%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637333651814786494&amp;sdata=%2F%2B%2FtFDL21q5Kwr%2BDmdpMat0cfdQEo%2FXVjzpr055AB68%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief</a>.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597832193097.png" alt="Kansas Governor Laura Kelly opened her Monday news conference reminding business owners of the opportunity to apply." />
 <figcaption>Kansas Governor Laura Kelly opened her Monday news conference reminding business owners of the opportunity to apply.</figcaption>
 </figure>TOPEKA&nbsp;–&nbsp;Governor Laura Kelly Monday encouraged Kansas businesses&nbsp;to participate in the application process for more than $130 million in grants to support businesses affected by the pandemic and enable companies to expand broadband access in the state.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/8/1597781730208.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;The portal to apply&nbsp; opens at noon Wednesday, August 19 on the<a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/"> Kansas Department of Commerce (KDC) website.</a>The application portal for the SPARK economic development and connectivity grant programs will appear <a href="https://www.kansascommerce.gov/">online here.</a>“This is an opportunity to revitalize our economy and for businesses to receive some necessary relief,”&nbsp;said Kelly.&nbsp;“I strongly encourage business owners to apply first thing Wednesday if they are eligible.”In addition to providing financial relief, grants will be available to businesses whose products and services will be needed in greater volume to help combat the virus and its effects. Funding is also being made available to expand broadband access both through infrastructure improvements and by partnerships with internet service providers to serve low-income households. These grants are funded through the Coronavirus Relief Fund of the federal CARES Act.&nbsp;This pandemic has affected each sector differently, with industries having distinct needs. Therefore, applications for grants are being made available in the following categories:<ul>
 <li>Small Business Working Capital Grants</li>
 </ul>Kansas businesses with fewer than 500 employees are eligible to apply for Small Business Working Capital grants. Funds can be used to pay working capital expenses such as payroll, rent, mortgage insurance, utilities, inventory, and more. Grants will be awarded on a rolling basis until funds are depleted.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Securing Local Food Systems Grants</li>
 </ul>The Securing Local Food Systems grant program was created to support Kansas meat processing facilities, food processors, grocers, and food banks to address food for human consumption supply chain disruptions as a result of the COVID-19 public health emergency.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>PPE Procurement Grants</li>
 </ul>The PPE Procurement grant program will award businesses funds for the purchase of personal protective equipment (PPE), implementation of workplace redesigns, additional signage, new technology solutions for distance working, and other items to comply with COVID-19 public health guidelines on safely returning employees to work.<ul>
 <li>PPE Manufacturing Grants</li>
 </ul>PPE Manufacturing grants will provide funding to manufacturers to reimburse certain costs to manufacture critically needed PPE. The grant funding will assist entities with creating new businesses while contributing to the fight against the current COVID-19 public health emergency.<ul>
 <li>COVID-19 Bioscience Product Development Acceleration Grants</li>
 </ul>Kansas has a strong pipeline of bioscience-related companies developing SARS-CoV-2 diagnostic, therapeutic and medical countermeasures. This grant program will accelerate commercialization and go-to-market strategies, allowing these Kansas companies to quickly deploy novel technology by optimizing value and reducing risk through informed decision making.&nbsp;&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Connectivity Emergency Response Grants</li>
 </ul>The Connectivity Emergency Response Grant (CERG) was created to address the increased need for connectivity in Kansas in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Proposed projects should improve connectivity to unserved and underserved areas of Kansas to address the needs of telework, telehealth, distance learning, and other remote business services.<ul>
 <li>Broadband Partnership Adoption Grants</li>
 </ul>The Broadband Partnership Adoption Grant will provide support for low-income households by partnering with ISPs to leverage their existing adoption infrastructure and assure connectivity to as many Kansans as possible.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Domestic Supply Chain Fortification Grant</li>
 </ul>This Domestic Supply Chain Fortification grant will help offset the business disruptions to Kansas companies’ supply chains caused by COVID-19 and assist with relocating jobs to Kansas from outside of the US. Where appropriate, this grant program would be offered in addition to existing incentive programs (PEAK, KIT, HPIP, etc.) to improve the state’s competitiveness.<ul>
 <li>IT, Cybersecurity &amp; IT Project Management Certification Training Grants</li>
 </ul>To mitigate the job losses in Kansas as a result of COVID-19, the Kansas Department of Commerce is seeking a rapid response training program that will provide training, certificate testing, and job placement assistance in the areas of IT, cybersecurity, and IT project management.&nbsp;<ul>
 <li>Higher Education Advanced Manufacturing &amp; IT Equipment Grants</li>
 </ul>This program will support the needs of the advanced manufacturing industry in Kansas. The program will focus on reskilling/upskilling individuals affected by COVID-19 to meet economic sector needs in high-demand, high-wage occupations.Details on each category, including award amounts, proposal requirements, eligibility, and more can be found at&nbsp;<a href="https://gcc01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kansascommerce.gov%2Fcovidrelief&amp;data=02%7C01%7C%7Cfa18b367c41e4b11889408d843945f79%7Cdcae8101c92d480cbc43c6761ccccc5a%7C0%7C0%7C637333651814786494&amp;sdata=%2F%2B%2FtFDL21q5Kwr%2BDmdpMat0cfdQEo%2FXVjzpr055AB68%3D&amp;reserved=0" target="_blank">kansascommerce.gov/covidrelief</a>.

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