DEED Launches Workforce Grants for Second-chance Workers

State Pilot helps Formerly Incarcerated Individuals Obtain Training; New Federal Funding Accelerates Efforts

St. Paul - Today, the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) released a Request for Proposals for its new Pilot Re-Entry Competitive Grant Program. Approved by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board (MJSP), $3,000,000 is available in Fiscal Years 2023-2024 to help reintegrate justice-involved Minnesotans into the workforce. Potential grantee organizations may request up to $500,000 to provide participants with:

• One-on-one career counseling/case management through a dedicated Navigator
• Job search assistance
• Skills training, including on-the-job training
• And wrap-around support services working closely with a Navigator

Minnesota has a strong commitment to working with justice-involved individuals returning home and remains laser-focused on finding workers to help meet the labor shortage.

To that end, in addition to releasing the RFP, today DEED announced the receipt of new federal funding ? a maximum of $10 million in First Step Initiative funding from the U.S Department of Labor and Department of Justice to invest in resources that support formerly incarcerated individuals in their transition back to the community. The First Step Initiative funding will be used to amplify DEED?s state-based efforts.

Data and research over several decades confirm that when people find stable, meaningful employment upon release from prison they are less likely to reoffend and return to prison.

?Minnesota?s unemployment rate is the lowest in the nation and companies statewide are looking for qualified workers to fill open positions in numerous fields,? said DEED Commissioner Steve Grove. ?Individuals transitioning back into the community after serving their time are ready to work. Companies with positions to fill have an opportunity to help these individuals improve their lives and the community while also ensuring enough workers are available to fill their needs. And this new federal funding will truly amplify our efforts to build back our economy and help improve safety by putting people to work in Minnesota.?

?People coming out of prison must have what they need to live, become and stay employed, and be able to support themselves and their families,? said Minnesota Department of Corrections (DOC) Commissioner Paul Schnell. ?Over 95% of those who are in prison today will return to their families and communities. These new funding streams will play a critical role in helping ensure a successful transition for individuals who have served their time.?

DEED?s Pilot Re-Entry competitive grant program seeks to serve justice-involved individuals who are Minnesota residents, have not worked or had employment for 15 weeks in the last year, and are within 3-6 months of release or have been released in the last 3-6 months from various correctional facilities in the state.

Eligible organizations include:

• State or Local Government Units
• Nonprofit Organizations
• Community Action Agencies
• Business Organizations or Associations
• Labor Organizations

Employer partners are imperative and programs with strong employer partnerships will be given prioritization for funding.

?In addressing one of the defining challenges of the last decade in Minnesota?s economy ? a workforce shortage that is impacting every industry in the state ? we must connect with overlooked talent pools such as people who were previously incarcerated,? said DEED Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development Marc Majors.

An informational webinar providing an overview of the Pilot Re-Entry Program will take place on Tuesday, October 18, from 11:00 am ? 12:00 pm. Proposals are due Tuesday, November 22, 2022, by 5:00pm (CST). Anticipated grant notification to applicants is expected by the end of the year. More information about the federal funding will be shared with the community as details are solidified.

DEED is the state?s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the?DEED website, the?JoinUsMn.com?website, or follow us on?Twitter.

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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.