Transformative Career Pathway Competitive Grants

The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is offering the Transformative Career Pathway Competitive Grants to provide skills training to communities of color and/or low-income communities. This initiative aims to lead to employment or business development in high-growth industries. The program's core mission aligns with DEED's objective to enhance economic opportunity and address workforce development needs within Minnesota, particularly for populations experiencing inequities. The grant targets individuals from communities of color and/or low-income communities, with a focus on those in areas with historically high unemployment rates, low academic achievement rates, and median incomes below a family sustainable wage (less than $50,000). The impact goals are to improve economic mobility, foster business development, and reduce disparities in employment and income for these specific populations. The program prioritizes fairness, precision, equity, and consistency in competitive grant awards, with a strong emphasis on diversity and inclusion in grant-making. Policy 08-02 guides this by ensuring that grant programs intentionally identify how they serve diverse populations, especially those facing inequities and disparities. Funding will be directed to areas meeting the demographic and economic criteria outlined, with community-based organizations being the sole eligible applicants. Expected outcomes include increased employment rates, successful business development, and improved economic self-sufficiency for participants. Measurable results will likely include the number of individuals receiving skills training, the percentage of participants securing employment or establishing businesses in high-growth industries, and the change in income levels for beneficiaries. DEED's strategic priorities are centered on creating an inclusive economy and empowering all Minnesotans through workforce development. The theory of change posits that by investing in targeted skills training and entrepreneurial support for historically underserved communities, systemic barriers to economic opportunity can be overcome, leading to sustainable career pathways and community-wide economic growth.