Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Partnership and Pathways Programs

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Partnership and Pathways Programs are administered by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board within the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development. The program is designed to support workforce development and economic growth across Minnesota by fostering partnerships between businesses and educational institutions. The Department of Employment and Economic Development plays a central role in shaping the state’s workforce strategy by encouraging job creation, improving worker skills, and strengthening employer competitiveness. These grants are part of a broader state initiative to ensure that Minnesota maintains a skilled workforce capable of meeting evolving industry demands. The primary purpose of the Partnership Program is to serve as a catalyst for collaboration between businesses and accredited training providers to develop customized training programs for new or incumbent workers. The Pathways Program similarly supports collaborative training efforts but focuses specifically on individuals who are transitioning from public assistance to employment or who have incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, Pre Development grants are available to support the planning and design of large scale Partnership projects that address high wage, high growth, and high skill industries. These programs collectively aim to create career pathways, improve job retention, and promote equitable access to employment opportunities. Funding is allocated through a competitive process, with approximately ten million dollars available for distribution during the state fiscal year running from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027. Individual Partnership and Pathways grants may be awarded up to five hundred thousand dollars, while Pre Development grants are capped at forty nine thousand nine hundred ninety nine dollars. Funds are intended for training development and delivery that aligns with specific business needs, including new curriculum creation, workforce upskilling, and capacity building within training institutions. Eligible expenditures are restricted to activities outlined in the grant agreement, and funds may only be used after the agreement is fully executed. Eligibility for these programs is limited to accredited post secondary educational institutions and training providers located in Minnesota. Pathways Program applicants may also include workforce development intermediaries that partner with accredited providers and have demonstrated experience serving low income populations. All projects must involve active participation from one or more Minnesota based businesses and must address identified employment needs. Training must primarily consist of new or customized curriculum tailored to participating businesses. Additional eligibility requirements apply to Pre Development grants, which must demonstrate alignment with high growth industries and the development of new training capacity. The application process requires submission of a complete grant package via email to the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership office. Applicants must include the main application form, a detailed budget, certifications and acknowledgements, business partner documentation, and additional supporting materials depending on the funding level requested. All materials must be combined into a single PDF file. Applicants bear all costs associated with preparing and submitting their proposals. Incomplete or late submissions are not considered, and applicants must ensure receipt confirmation within twenty four hours of submission. Applications are evaluated by program staff based on criteria such as project design, equity and economic opportunity, economic development impact, and capacity building. Projects that demonstrate strong partnerships, measurable outcomes, and benefits to underserved populations receive priority consideration. Final funding decisions are made by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board, and applicants requesting fifty thousand dollars or more may be required to present their proposals to the board. Awards are communicated by email, and successful applicants enter into formal grant agreements outlining reporting, monitoring, and compliance requirements. The application timeline includes a posting date in July 2026, with regular applications due in mid September 2026 and short form or Pre Development applications due in early October 2026. Review and selection activities occur through October, with grant agreements executed by December 2026. Technical assistance is available throughout the process, and applicants may contact program staff by email or phone for guidance. The program does not explicitly state a recurring cycle, but the structured timeline and annual funding allocation suggest periodic funding opportunities aligned with the state fiscal year.

Emphasize partnerships with businesses; demonstrate measurable workforce outcomes; prioritize equity and underserved populations; align training with employer needs