Purpose

To provide a one-time funding allocation intended to create a pilot program that exposes youth ages 12 to 21 to career pathways in public service. The funding comes from the general fund and would be granted by the commissioner of public safety to the Bolder Options youth mentoring program. The pilot aims to include opportunities related to the Minnesota Army National Guard and is limited to the cities of Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester, in fiscal year 2027.

Main Provisions

• Amount and source: $175,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2027.
• Purpose of funding: A grant to the Bolder Options youth mentoring program.
• Program goal: Create a pilot program that exposes youth ages 12 to 21 to career pathways in public service.
• Scope of experiences: Include opportunities through the Minnesota Army National Guard.
• Geographic focus: Minneapolis, St. Paul, and Rochester.
• Administration: Funds provided through the commissioner of public safety.
• Funding type: One-time appropriation (not ongoing).

Significance and Expected Outcomes

• Youth exposure to public service careers: The program is designed to broaden awareness of career paths in public safety and related fields.
• Mentoring component: Built through the Bolder Options program, leveraging mentoring to guide participants.
• Potential workforce development: Could establish a early-entry pathway to public service careers and related organizations, including the National Guard.

Relationship to Existing Law

• New funding initiative: Establishes a pilot program with a one-time appropriation, not an ongoing program funded in perpetuity.

Implementation Considerations

• Timeframe: Funding is tied to fiscal year 2027 as a one-time allocation.
• Program partners: Bolder Options as the grantee; collaboration with the Minnesota Army National Guard as part of the exposure to career pathways.
• Location-bound: Limited to three Minnesota cities (Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester).

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Relevant Terms appropriation, general fund, grant, Bolder Options, youth mentoring program, pilot program, public service, career pathways, Minnesota Army National Guard, Minneapolis, St. Paul, Rochester, fiscal year 2027, one-time appropriation, commissioner of public safety