Many people with disabilities seek meaningful employment, yet run into obstacles. Now several service providers around the state, including some with a disability focus, have additional resources to help those wanting to find new careers.
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has announced $13.5 million in Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) grantee funds. The money will be released through three programs focusing on providing clear career pathways to Minnesotans who face systemic barriers to employment.
The programs are On-Ramp to Career Pathways, Bridge to Career Pathways, and a P2P Individualized Training Program. They were created in response to needs identified by communities across Minnesota. In response to those needs, and are seen as a more holistic approach on how to structure the P2P program.
Each program focuses on a participant’s career pathway and allows for providers to deliver clear paths to a career, no matter which level of educational attainment the participant currently holds. The three programs emphasize educational attainment, coupled with navigation services and barrier removal, to increase mobility, employability and skills leading to higher wages.
On-Ramp to Career Pathways will reach Minnesotans interested in earning a certificate and/or improving their employment skills. Grant recipients must partner with an active Adult Basic Education provider to ensure certified training curriculum will provide the measurable skills for people to gain relevant to support the Local Workforce Development Area (LWDA) plan.
Career Pathways Bridge will reach Minnesotans seeking to improve skills or obtain new skills to earn an industry recognized credential in line with the LWDA plan. Grant recipients must partner with an active employer and an Adult Basic Education provider or have a strong connection with one. The level of employer participation will determine the prioritization of funding.
Pathways to Prosperity Individualized Training Program (P2P ITP) will reach Minnesotans seeking training in four targeted specific industry sectors: Healthcare, Information Technology, Skilled Trades, and Advanced Manufacturing (or another high growth, in-demand sector earning a median wage of $15 per hour and is specific to the local service area). Grant recipients must partner with at least one post-secondary institution or union apprenticeship program as well as an active employer to support the industry-specific trainings for the participants.
“Pathways to Prosperity is such an important grant program for our state, and I’m thrilled with the extraordinary collection of organizations receiving awards today,” said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. “It’s the job of government to invest in people who face the biggest barriers to employment. These dollars are critical to expanding opportunity for Minnesotans and growing our economy.”
“With all our partners, we are investing in Minnesota workers, to meet their needs, through expanded and innovative programming and supportive services,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner Hamse Warfa. “With the state’s investment in these new programs, we can build an inclusive recovery that works for all Minnesotans.”
(Warfa left DEED for a post with the Biden administration after the grantees were announced.)
Grantees are listed by program.
On Ramp to Career Pathways:
American Indian OIC
Minnesota Valley Action Council
Lutheran Social Services
Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc.
St. Paul Public Schools
Karen Organization of Minnesota
City of Duluth
CLUES
Washington County Community Services
Workforce Development, Inc.
East Side Neighborhood Services
Pathways to Prosperity: Bridge to Career Pathways Grantees:
American Indian OIC
Southwest Minnesota PIC
Karen Organization of Minnesota
International Institute of Minnesota
Northfield Health Community Initiative
City of Minneapolis
Jewish Family and Community Services
Minnesota Computers for Schools
Lutheran Social Services
Project for Pride in Living
City of Duluth
CAPI USA
Hiawatha Valley Adult Basic Education
St. Paul Public Schools
White Earth Tribal and Community College
YWCA Minneapolis
Roseville Adult Learning Center
Anoka County Job Training Center
Goodwill Easter Seals of Minnesota
EMERGE Community Development
HIRED
Workforce Development, Inc.
YWCA St. Paul
East Side Neighborhood Services
Avivo
Career Solutions
Twin Cities R!SE
Pathways to Prosperity: Individualized Training Pathways Grantees
City of Duluth
Project for Pride in Living
White Earth Tribal and Community College
Minnesota Valley Action Council
Rural Minnesota CEP, Inc.
Hiawatha Valley Adult Education
DEED will work with all of its partners to invest in Minnesota workers, meet their needs, and provide innovative programming and supportive services. Learn more about the Pathways to Prosperity Programs at
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade, and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website, the JoinUsMn.com website, or follow DEED on Twitter.
