Attorney General Ford Applauds Use of T-Mobile Settlement Funds for Student and Apprenticeship Programs

Carson City, NV – Today, Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced the approval of the use of T-Mobile settlement funds for the Nevada Fiber Optic Apprenticeship program; the NV Forge Grant program that connects Nevada community college students to local small businesses and nonprofits; and the UNLV Student Retention, Teacher Recruitment and Community Engagement program. The money for these programs comes from a settlement entered into by Attorney General Aaron Ford with T-Mobile in 2019.

“I am thrilled that our Office's agreement with T-Mobile has continued to provide workforce development for Nevada's underserved communities,” said Attorney General Ford. “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.”

On Thursday, Oct. 15, the Interim Finance Committee (IFC) approved the addition of $500,000 to support the Nevada Fiber Optic Apprenticeship program, which trains qualified technicians in fiber optic infrastructure deployment. This $500,000 will act as bridge funding pending larger disbursements from a $10,000,000 payout already granted to the Nevada Governor's Office of Science, Innovation and Technology (OSIT) for tribal broadband initiatives.

The IFC also approved $3 million for the NV Forge Grant program, which helps people seeking trade skill certifications and apprenticeships from community colleges in Nevada, including low-income, minority, women, and older students, as well as previously incarcerated people who are working to reenter their community after serving their time.

Finally, the IFC approved $473,838 to UNLV’s Student Retention, Teacher Recruitment, and Community Engagement program, which is designed to promote art and culture for underserved students and children in Clark County. This money will go toward students in UNLV’s School of Music who are studying vocal performance and be put to use establishing student grants; connecting students to community partnerships including business incubators; and working to retain students in the Las Vegas area after graduation.

The money for these programs comes from a 2019 settlement with T-Mobile that included a charitable contribution of $30 million earmarked for enhancing entrepreneurial opportunities for women, minorities and women and minority-owned businesses.

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