Pathways to Prosperity Grant Programs on Individualized Training in the US

Deadline: 14-Sep-21

The Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) is announcing a call for proposals for Pathways to Prosperity Grant Programs on Individualized Training to serve participants who low income and/or who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color, and who have multiple barriers to employment.

Individualized Training Pathways will serve those who are ready for training at a post-secondary level and come from one or more of the Target Population groups.

Themes

Within DEED’s Employment & Training Division, Adult Career Pathways programs will be focused on awarding proposals that place an emphasis on the following three themes:

Equity: Adult Career Pathways programs seek to build an inclusive, skilled workforce and reduce disparities based on race, disability, and gender.
- Training participants with the most significant barriers to employment and ensuring participants have equal access to training and employment opportunities.
- Ensuring that organizations serving the most hard to serve populations reflect the community accessing the services and incorporate human-centered design into their programs.
- Reducing and eliminating disparities by empowering all members of the workforce will result in a more equitable and prosperous Minnesota for individuals, families, businesses, and communities.
Innovation: Adult Career Pathways programs recognize that new solutions must be developed to respond to new and ongoing challenges in the workforce and communities.
- Programs that are mission-driven, utilizing best practices while having an innovation mindset to creatively imagine and apply new approaches to success.
- Clearly show the development of innovative approaches to outreach and recruitment, reaching those who have been disconnected and disenfranchised from the workforce.
- Designing and implementing new efficient and effective systems for workforce development programs that address skills shortages, remove barriers to lifelong learning, and help workers improve their employability.
- DEED will facilitate the growth of innovative programs by providing resources to ensure the programs ability to grow and expand.
Performance: Adult Career Pathways programs are built on a foundation of partnerships, most significantly between program providers and employers.
- Job Placement Employer partners that will offer livable wage jobs and job advancement to program participants.
- Wage Rate Programs that pursue training and/or development that target industries and jobs with livable wages.
- Job Retention Programs that provide intentional support for participants to retain employment and advance in their chosen field.
- Credential Attainment Programs that yield measurable results demonstrated by attainment of foundational skills and industry specific qualifications.

Funding Information

Organizations may apply for a maximum of $200,000 each year for a maximum of $400,000 total under the Pathways to Prosperity Individualized Training Pathways RFP.
Note that this grantdoes not allow the purchase of equipment costing $5,000 or more.

Target Population

Programs must serve adults at least 18 years old , not enrolled in any K-12 school, who face multiple barriers to employment, and who need enhanced educational and supportive services to be successful in securing long-term family sustaining wages.

All participants enrolled must be authorized to work in the United States and must be part of one or more of the following target populations:

Individuals of color;
Individuals lacking stable housing;
Individuals with a criminal record;
Individuals without a high school diploma or equivalent;
Individuals with disabilities;
Individuals who have been unemployed for 26 or more of the past 52 weeks;
Individuals with limited English or math proficiency; or
Individuals
Workers currently employed in applicant LWDA sectors, earning less than a living wage

Eligibility Criteria

Eligible organizations include: