Eleven partnerships across Minnesota, including Otter Tail County, will receive funding to develop and implement programs to offer meaningful career exposure and paid work experience for students 16 years of age and older.

The grants are part of a Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry’s (DLI’s) Youth Skills Training program that was signed into law in 2017 with bipartisan support to create and provide employment training for student learners ages 16 and older in high-growth, high-demand occupations.

“Working with these partners gives us the opportunity to support workforce development in a unique and specific way that meets the community and employers’ needs,” said Roslyn Robertson, DLI commissioner.

Youth Skills Training grants will be awarded to the following 11 partnerships, which will receive and split $1 million in funding. The partnerships will offer safe, meaningful work experience in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology.

• Bemidji Career Academies

• Chisago Lakes High School

• East Grand Forks High School

• Forest Lake Area High School

• Genesys Works Twin Cities

• Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce

• Mankato Area Public Schools

• Milaca High School

• Otter Tail County

• Roseville Area High School

• Spark-Y Youth Action Labs

Grants can be used to create programs, recruit students and employers, provide training, transport students and pay for student certifications. 

Thirty-two local partnerships throughout the state applied for this fifth round of grants; a sixth round of grant applications will open in winter 2022.

For more information about Youth Skills Training, contact Rich Wessels, program manager, at 651-284-5184 or rich.wessels@state.mn.us.