On Wednesday, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced nearly $13.6 million in workforce grants, its latest effort to help grow Minnesota’s workforce and connect people to good jobs.
DEED is awarding Pathways to Prosperity grant funding to Minnesota Valley Action Council Inc., Mankato and 42 organizations across the state.
The Pathways to Prosperity funding is expected to serve 2,779 Minnesotans through three programs focused on providing clear career pathways to people who face systemic barriers to employment: On-Ramp to Career Pathways, Bridge to Career Pathways and Individualized Training Pathways.
Each program provides skills training and support services to help trainees increase employability and preparedness for family-sustaining careers. MVAC, Mankato received two out of the three grants. $275,000 for On-Ramp to Career Pathways and $375,000 for Individual Training Pathways.
MVAC, Mankato serves Blue Earth, Brown, Faribault, Le Sueur, Martin, Nicollet, Sibley, Waseca and Watonwan counties.
Grantees receiving these funds connect with participants in various ways. People interested in Pathways to Prosperity and other programs to help them prepare for good jobs should contact a CareerForce location near them. CareerForce location contact information can be found at CareerForceMN.com/locations or by calling 651-259-7500.