Pathways to Prosperity Bridge to Career Pathways Competitive Grants

The State of Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s (DEED) Office of Adult Career Pathways (ACP) has released the State Fiscal Years 2026 and 2027 Request for Proposals for the Pathways to Prosperity – Bridge to Career Pathways competitive grant program. ACP serves adults who face multiple barriers to employment and need enhanced educational and supportive services to achieve long-term family-sustaining wages. This program is part of DEED’s broader effort to eliminate racial disparities, close economic gaps, and expand access to high-growth, high-wage jobs. The Bridge to Career Pathways program targets participants from designated target populations who are ready to enter credential-level training. Participants will receive navigation services, wraparound supports, and industry-specific training leading to recognized credentials. Employer partnerships are a key component, with strong employer engagement prioritized in funding decisions. A total of $18.3 million is available for all Pathways to Prosperity competitive grant programs in SFY 2026–2027, authorized under the Laws of Minnesota 2025, 1st Special Session, Chapter 6, Article 1, Section 2, Subdivision 3(c). Organizations may apply for up to $200,000 per year, for a maximum of $400,000 total under this RFP, with awards split equally between SFY 2026 and SFY 2027. Funding is allocated through a competitive process reviewed by a committee of DEED staff and community experts in workforce development, education, and business. While partial awards will be avoided when possible, DEED may allocate partial funding to meet geographic and equity objectives. If awarded funds are not fully expended, DEED reserves the right to reallocate them to other high-performing grantees. The program requires applicants to incorporate seven core components: alignment with high-growth industry sectors, multiple entry and exit points for participants, strong partner involvement (including an Adult Basic Education partner, a workforce development organization, and at least one employer partner), industry-recognized credential attainment, comprehensive support services, navigation strategies, and contextualized education. Applicants must also comply with DEED program administration requirements, state and federal regulations, and performance tracking via Workforce One. Key outcomes include credential attainment, job placement in livable-wage employment, job retention, and measurable progress toward postsecondary education or career advancement. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, state or local government units (including tribal governments), community action agencies, business organizations or trade associations, alternative secondary or postsecondary institutions, and labor organizations. Applicants must be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State and, if applicable, the Internal Revenue Service, with a physical location in Minnesota open to the public. Programs must serve Minnesota residents at least 18 years old, not enrolled in K–12 education, authorized to work in the United States, and meeting at least one target population criterion such as being an individual of color, lacking stable housing, having limited English or math proficiency, or being at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. Applications must be submitted via email as a single PDF to ACPgrants.deed@state.mn.us with the subject line “P2P Bridge Application – [organization name].” Required forms include the cover sheet, narrative responses, work plan, budget, partnership chart with letters of support, unemployment insurance consent, conflict of interest disclosures, affidavit of non-collusion, performance capacity, no felony financial crime certification, evidence of good standing, and nonprofit financial documentation. The RFP was posted on July 14, 2025, with an informational webinar on July 23, 2025, and questions accepted until August 28, 2025. The application deadline is September 4, 2025, at 5:00 p.m. CST. Award notifications will be issued on or around October 15, 2025, with grants running through June 30, 2027. Evaluation criteria total 100 points, divided among organizational capacity, program description, implementation workplan, outreach and engagement, partnerships, performance and reporting, and budget/fiscal capacity. DEED will prioritize proposals addressing racial equity and geographic diversity. Monitoring includes onboarding training, quarterly engagement sessions, progress reporting, and financial oversight. Programs must comply with Minnesota’s Earned Sick and Safe Time law, Paid Family and Medical Leave law (effective January 1, 2026), and applicable labor regulations. For further information, applicants may contact Jenilee Drilling, Lead ACP Program Coordinator, at jenilee.drilling@state.mn.us or 651-259-7530.

Align proposals with funder priorities and scoring rubrics, write clear and compelling narratives, craft effective work plans and outcome strategies, and develop realistic budgets. Recorded training sessions are available.