WorKS: Public Broadcasting Content Grant
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Overview
This program aims to increase awareness of workforce development tools, strengthen digital literacy, and celebrate the potential of innovation across Kansas’ rural regions through funding of Kansas Public Broadcasting Station’s development of original, educational content dedicated to these subjects.
Purpose
The Kansas Department of Commerce seeks proposals from public broadcasting stations to produce original, educational content highlighting rural workforce opportunities, remote work readiness, and emerging technologies that can transform how Kansans live and work in rural communities.
Goals
Applicants should propose projects that create educational or documentary-style content addressing one or more of the following themes:
Emerging Technologies in Rural Economic Development
- How technologies such as broadband, AI, automation, or telehealth are reshaping rural jobs.
- Real stories of Kansas communities using innovation to sustain local economies.
Remote Work Readiness
- Best practices for identifying, applying for, and thriving in remote or hybrid jobs.
- Educational series on digital literacy, online professionalism, or cybersecurity for rural workers.
Rural Workforce Resources
- Spotlighting state or local economic development programs, workforce training centers, or entrepreneurship hubs.
- Success stories of rural Kansans leveraging these resources to grow careers or businesses.
Youth and the Future of Work
- Content aimed at helping high school or college-aged students explore remote or tech-enabled careers that allow them to stay in their communities.
Eligible Applicants
Licensed Public Broadcasting Stations serving Kansas communities (television or radio).
Ineligible Applicants
Non-Public Broadcasting Stations
Eligible Projects
Funding is to be used to create educational or documentary style content that addresses one of the four required themes for workforce growth and development:
- Emerging Technologies in Rural Economic Development
- Remote Work Readiness
- Rural Workforce Resources
- Youth and the Future of Work
Each funded station must produce and distribute:
- At least one broadcast-quality program or series (TV, radio, or digital format).
- Accompanying digital content (e.g., podcast, online article series, or social media shorts).
- A public engagement plan, such as town halls, webinars, or community screenings.
- A brief impact summary with metrics like audience reach, community engagement, and lessons learned upon project completion and published broadcast period has closed.
Ineligible Projects
Capital projects, including construction costs. Projects that do not provide content covering the four targeted areas for workforce growth and development in Kansas.
Eligible Program Costs
Production, postproduction, editing, and other content creation costs, equipment (up to 25% of grant award), labor, supplies, staff time, travel, music or other additional content costs, marketing, administrative costs directly related to project.
Ineligible Program Costs
Capital expenses, infrastructure related to building or construction, administrative or general operating expenses related to the general offices or daily operations of the broadcasting organization.
Match Requirement
Encouraged but not required. In-kind donations and volunteer work are allowed to count towards match.
Funding Priorities
Projects will be awarded based upon the following:
- How well the proposal addresses rural workforce and remote work themes.
- Originality of concept, creativity, and potential to inform and inspire.
- Strength of collaboration with rural communities, workforce entities, or local orgs.
- Realistic scope, timeline, and technical capacity.
- Clarity of audience engagement and sustainability beyond the grant period.