HF4629

Purpose

• To provide funding for a new workforce development program run by the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.

What the bill does (Main provisions)

• Appropriates 500,000 in fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota’s Workforce Development Fund.
• The money goes to the commissioner of employment and economic development to grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.
• The grant funds the CareerSTART Life and Workforce Development Program, described as a comprehensive program and strategy to align education, employers, and community partners.
• The goal is to help Minnesota meet long-term economic and social goals by preparing disadvantaged youth.

Program design and target participants

• Targets disadvantaged youth ages 13 to 21.
• Provides mentorship, workforce experiences, financial literacy, and soft skills.
• Includes exposure to postsecondary pathways (college or other training programs).

Funding details and timeline

• One-time appropriation.
• Available until June 30, 2028.
• Implemented through a grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.

Significance and potential impact

• Establishes a new funding stream to support early workforce development for youth.
• Emphasizes coordination among education, employers, and community partners to improve economic and social outcomes for participants.

Notable changes to existing law

• Creates a new, one-time appropriation to fund a specific program; does not describe ongoing funding or broader statutory changes beyond this grant.

Relevant Terms - CareerSTART Life and Workforce Development Program - Workforce Development Fund - Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development - Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota - Disadvantaged youth - Mentorship - Workforce experiences - Financial literacy - Soft skills - Postsecondary pathways - One-time appropriation - Fiscal year 2027 - Availability until June 30, 2028 - Grant - Education, employers, and community partners - Long-term economic and social goals