Minnesota Job Skills Partnership

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board, operating through the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, is inviting applications for funding under the Partnership Program, Pathways Program, and Pre-Development Grants for the 2025–2026 state fiscal year. DEED aims to strengthen Minnesota’s economy by fostering workforce skills and creating job opportunities. The programs target cooperative training projects between business and education providers to meet specific workforce needs, especially for economically disadvantaged individuals. The Partnership Program supports collaboration between accredited Minnesota training institutions and businesses to develop and deliver customized training for new or incumbent workers. The Pathways Program similarly promotes business–education collaboration but focuses on creating career opportunities for individuals at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines or transitioning from public assistance to the workforce. Pre-Development Grants cover planning costs for large-scale Partnership projects in high-wage, high-growth, and high-skill sectors, with an emphasis on developing new training capacity. For SFY 2026, approximately $7 million is available, with individual Partnership and Pathways grants capped at $400,000, and Pre-Development grants limited to $50,000. Short-form applications are available for Partnership or Pathways requests up to $50,000. Partnership grants require a one-to-one business match, while Pathways grants require a one-half-to-one match, both of which may be met through cash or in-kind contributions. Preference is given to projects promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, serving economically disadvantaged populations, and assisting rural businesses. Eligible applicants for Partnership and Pathways grants include accredited post-secondary institutions or training providers within Minnesota, as well as workforce development intermediaries partnering with accredited providers. All projects must involve at least one participating Minnesota business and address a defined area of employment need with new or customized curriculum. Pre-Development applicants must also demonstrate employer participation and alignment with high-demand occupational sectors. Only a limited number of Pre-Development projects will be funded, and applicants should consult MJSP staff before applying. Applications must include specific forms, budget documents, certifications, and evidence of organizational good standing where applicable. Regular Partnership and Pathways applications are due by 4:30 p.m. CT on September 15, 2025, while Short Form and Pre-Development applications are due by October 6, 2025. Applications must be submitted via email to deed.mjsp@state.mn.us in a single PDF. Funding decisions will be made at the October 27, 2025, MJSP Board meeting, with contracts executed no later than December 23, 2025. No costs may be incurred before the grant contract is fully executed. Grant recipients must comply with reporting, monitoring, and financial oversight requirements, including trimestral progress, financial, and trainee reports. Participating businesses are also required to document their contributions and provide evaluations of the training outcomes. All funded projects must adhere to state procurement and affirmative action regulations, as well as non-discrimination laws. For questions, applicants may contact Fun Fun Cheng, Program Administrator, at FunFun.Cheng@state.mn.us or 651-259-7514.

Pre-Development applicants should consult MJSP staff before submission