Purpose

• The bill would provide a one-time funding grant to support a youth workforce development program. Specifically, it appropriates $500,000 in fiscal year 2027 from Minnesota’s workforce development fund to the commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota for the CareerSTART Life and Workforce Development Program.
• The program is designed to be a comprehensive effort that aligns education, employers, and community partners to meet Minnesota’s long-term economic and social goals. Its goal is to prepare disadvantaged youth by offering mentorship, workforce experiences, financial literacy education, soft skills development, and exposure to postsecondary pathways.

Main Provisions

• Establishment of the CareerSTART Life and Workforce Development Program and a grant to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.
• A one-time appropriation of $500,000 from the workforce development fund.
• Program activities to include mentorship, work-based experiences, financial literacy, soft skills training, and information about postsecondary options.
• Administration and oversight by the commissioner of Employment and Economic Development.
• Target population: disadvantaged youth ages 13 to 21.
• Public-education and community partner collaboration to advance education, career readiness, and pathways to further education or employment.
• The appropriation is available for use through June 30, 2028.

Funding, Administration, and Scope

• Source of funds: workforce development fund.
• Timeframe: fiscal year 2027, with availability through June 30, 2028 (one-time appropriation).
• Implementing agency: commissioner of Employment and Economic Development.
• Program partner: Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota.

Effect on Existing Law

• Creates a new appropriation and program (CareerSTART Life and Workforce Development Program) funded by a one-time grant.
• The text provided does not indicate other statutory changes beyond establishing this grant program and funding it; no broad revisions to current law are specified.

Notable Impacts

• Focus on early-to-mid youth (ages 13-21) to build readiness for work and further education.
• Emphasizes a coordinated approach that brings together education, employers, and community partners.
• Aims to contribute to Minnesota’s long-term economic and social goals by investing in youth development and workforce pathways.

Relevant Terms - workforce development fund - commissioner of Employment and Economic Development - grant - Boys and Girls Clubs of Central Minnesota - CareerSTART Life and Workforce Development Program - mentorship - workforce experiences - financial literacy - soft skills - postsecondary pathways - disadvantaged youth - ages 13 to 21 - one-time appropriation - fiscal year 2027 - available until June 30, 2028 - long-term economic and social goals