Dual Training Grant

The Dual Training Grant is a Minnesota-based initiative established to strengthen workforce development through strategic partnerships between employers and training institutions. Administered by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) in collaboration with the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), this grant supports the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline and facilitates on-the-job learning paired with formal instruction. The grant aims to ensure that employees acquire industry-recognized degrees, certificates, or credentials through programs designed to meet occupational competency standards. Created by the 2015 Minnesota Legislature under Minnesota Statutes 136A.246, the program addresses workforce gaps and fosters career advancement in critical industry sectors. The program promotes the implementation of dual-training programs in seven key industries identified by the state: Advanced Manufacturing, Agriculture, Child Care, Health Care Services, Information Technology, Legal Cannabis Industry, and Transportation. Through these programs, employers offer structured on-the-job training while partnering with eligible educational institutions to provide formal related instruction. The related instruction must be instructor-led and result in a recognized certificate, diploma, license, or credential. Eligible credentials include those issued by accredited postsecondary institutions, registered apprenticeship programs, or recognized industry or professional associations. The goal is to equip employees with tangible, transferable qualifications while addressing employer workforce needs. Applicants eligible for the grant include Minnesota employers or organizations of employers, such as business entities, nonprofit organizations, political subdivisions, state agencies, or tribal sovereign nations. These applicants must either already operate or plan to launch a dual-training program aligned with the occupational competency standards of the Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline. In order to qualify, the applicant must be in good standing with all Minnesota grant programs and have a partnership in place with an eligible related instruction training provider. The training provider must be properly registered, licensed, or otherwise approved by the OHE to operate legally in Minnesota. The grant offers a maximum of $165,000 per applicant, of which up to $150,000 can be used for related instruction costs and up to $15,000 for trainee support. Individual dual trainees may receive up to $6,000 per grant round and $24,000 in lifetime funding. Reimbursable instruction expenses include tuition, fees, books, and materials. Support funds may cover transportation, lodging, meals, tutoring, translation services, and more. A 25% cost match is required for organizations with over $25 million in gross annual revenue, applicable only to related instruction costs. Wages and in-kind contributions are not considered valid matching funds. The 2026 application cycle opens on February 23, 2026. Proposals must be submitted by April 8, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. CT through the official grants management system. A series of workshops—including virtual and in-person options—are scheduled throughout early March to guide applicants through the process. All technical questions must be submitted by March 25, 2026. Award notifications will be issued on May 29, 2026, with public announcements on June 4, 2026. Mandatory orientation for awarded grantees is scheduled for June 8, 2026. Grant contracts will be finalized over the summer, with dual-training programs beginning as early as August 2026 and concluding by August 31, 2027. Applications are evaluated by a committee using a 100-point scoring rubric focused on program alignment, inclusion strategies, recruitment and retention practices, and cost minimization for trainees. Employers and organizations must also demonstrate how participation will result in increased employment opportunities and compensation for dual trainees. The grant prioritizes programs that support underrepresented populations, including trainees of color, American Indian trainees, and trainees with disabilities. While continuation funding is not automatic, returning applicants with continuing trainees may receive preference. All applicants must comply with Minnesota grant policies, financial documentation standards, and public accountability requirements. For more information, prospective applicants can access the full Request for Proposal and supporting resources via the OHE website. All submissions must adhere to the specified guidelines, and no late or incomplete proposals will be considered.

Ensure provider is OHE-eligible; minimize trainee cost; align with competency models