The awarded organizations are expected to serve more than 700 Minnesotans.
Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development Press Release

For Immediate Release

Mary Haugen

[email protected]

January 15, 2026

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DEED Awards $1.6 Million in Adult Workforce Development Funding to 23 Organizations

St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today awarded more than $1.6 million in workforce grants to 23 organizations that assist adults facing obstacles to find and keep steady employment. The organizations receiving awards are expected to serve 730 Minnesotans.

“For many, finding long-lasting, steady employment is difficult — not from a lack of determination or skill, but due to systemic barriers in place for many of our neighbors,” said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. “The Adult Support Services program aims to bridge that gap, and we’re excited to partner with organizations around the state to help Minnesotans find and gain work-ready skills.”

The Adult Support Services competitive grants program provides grants to organizations that offer support services like job training, employment preparation, internships, financial literacy and academic and behavioral interventions for lower-performing students. Grantees are required to focus on low-income communities, adults from families with a history of intergenerational poverty and communities of color.

“Our Adult Support Services grant program is a high-impact workforce development program that yields long-lasting, durable results for program participants,” said DEED Deputy Commissioner Marc Majors. “Providing support services to people to help them prepare for and find family-sustaining employment makes a positive difference for communities throughout the state.”

Awarded organizations include:

AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis - $75,000

Alight, Minneapolis - $75,000

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul - $75,000

Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority, Brooklyn Park - $75,000

Center for African Immigrant and Refugee Organization (CAIRO), St. Cloud - $60,000

Communidades Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina (COPAL) Education Fund, Minneapolis - $75,000

Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis - $100,000

Global Fatherhood Foundation, Brooklyn Park - $75,000

Hired, Minneapolis - $75,000

International Institute of Minnesota, St. Paul - $75,000

Minnesota Valley Action Council/South Central Workforce Council, Mankato - $75,000

Neighbors, Inc., South St. Paul - $70,000

Northwest Indian Community Development Center, Bemidji - $75,000

Pillsbury United Communities, Minneapolis - $60,000

Project for Pride in Living, Inc., Minneapolis - $75,000

Rise Incorporated, Fridley - $75,000

RS Eden, Minneapolis - $60,000

Tasks Unlimited, Minneapolis - $75,000

The Neighborhood Hub, Minneapolis - $70,000

The Redemption Project, St. Paul - $75,000

Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc., Le Sueur - $60,000

Winona County, Winona - $75,000

Women’s Wellness and Parenting Support Center, Bloomington - $57,500

DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. Find out how DEED delivers for Minnesota by visiting theDEED website, Do Business, CareerForce.mn.gov, or by following us on social media

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Upon request, this information can be made available in alternate formats for people with disabilities by contacting the DEED Communications Office at 651-259-7161.


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