Labor Education Advancement Program Grant

The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) administers the Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP), funded by the Minnesota state legislature with the mission of ensuring equitable, healthy, and safe work and living environments across the state. The DLI, through its Apprenticeship Division, promotes and develops registered apprenticeship programs that build a skilled and diverse workforce. These programs provide apprentices with a combination of classroom instruction and on-the-job training, culminating in industry-recognized credentials that open doors to high-demand careers. LEAP is designed to support the participation and retention of people of color, Indigenous people, and women in registered apprenticeship programs. It aims to achieve these objectives through activities such as outreach, education, assessment, preparation, support services, training, placement, and retention initiatives. The target population includes Minnesotans aged 18 and older, with particular emphasis on addressing disparities and promoting inclusion in apprenticeship pathways. The program offers up to $1,003,432 in total funding, with individual awards capped at $100,000. Eligible applicants include community-based or nonprofit organizations registered in Minnesota, as well as Minnesota Tribal governments. Prior LEAP grantees from the FY25 cycle are ineligible. Multi-organizational collaborations are not allowed; however, partnerships with registered apprenticeship programs are required for applicants that are not apprenticeship programs themselves. Acceptable uses of funds include salaries and wages, travel, materials, communications, supportive services, contractual services, and administrative costs (capped at 10%). Ineligible costs include apprenticeship wages, fundraising, certain travel, and entertainment expenses. Applicants must submit a completed application form, their organization’s Workers Compensation and Equal Employment Opportunity policies, the most recent Form 990 or audit, and applicable partnership letters. Applications are due by June 27, 2025, with rolling submissions accepted thereafter until June 30, 2026, or until funds are depleted. Submissions should be emailed to lyla.brown@state.mn.us or mailed to the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. Evaluation of applications is based on a 100-point scale, considering factors such as need, partnerships, equity strategy, program activities, work plan, and outcomes. The budget is evaluated on a pass/fail basis to ensure compliance with eligible expense categories. The first round of awards will be announced in August 2025, with subsequent awards made on a rolling basis within three months of application submission. Grantees are required to submit quarterly reports, including financial and programmatic updates, and participate in monitoring visits as stipulated by Minnesota state policy. Financial and organizational capacity assessments are also required prior to award disbursement. Questions about the grant can be directed to Lyla Brown via email or phone, and answers will be posted weekly on the program's website. The program is committed to affirmative action, non-discrimination, and voter registration compliance as part of its broader mission to foster workforce diversity and equity.