Earlier this week I was talking with someone about the advantages of looking at a wide range of funding opportunities to support digital inclusion programs and projects. It comes back to the idea that technology is a solution to a wide range problems. One example is a series of recent grants awarded through DEED – most of the training went to hands-on classes such as manufacturing and healthcare but some went for technology training.

DEED Awards 16 Grants to Train Lower-Income and Current Minnesota Workers
Over 1,700 workers will receive training to become self-sufficient and enhance career options

ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded grants totaling $1,904,435 under the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) to train 1,199 lower-income individuals and 505 current workers.

Twelve Low Income Worker Training Program grants will cover the cost of training for ‘training-ready’ individuals with incomes at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty line, and four MJSP grants will train 505 current employees of Smiths Medical, Engineered Products Company, Precision, Inc., and Plunkett’s Pest Control, Inc.

The MJSP works strategically with businesses and educational institutions to train or retrain workers, expand work opportunities and keep high-quality jobs in the state. With support from Governor Mark Dayton and the Minnesota legislature, the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program has awarded $25.4 million since 2011 to train 32,239 workers and has leveraged $56.8 million in private funding.

“The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Program responded to business workforce needs by training more than 260,000 Minnesotans,” said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. “These training initiatives will help individuals acquire the necessary skills to pursue new career opportunities and ultimately achieve economic self-sufficiency.”

The Low Income Worker Training grants include:

Takoda Institute of Higher Education, America Indian OIC – $199,700
The American Indian OIC (AIOIC) will offer training to 100 low-income individuals via five training programs: Java, Data Analysis and Reporting with SQL, Powershell, Health Information Technology and Nursing Assistant. Trainees are partnered with a career services representative and an academic advisor who provide ongoing support and monitoring. Upon graduation, students receive job search/placement assistance and personal and professional support.
Contact: Joe Hobot, American Indian OIC, 612-341-3358, ext. 149

Creating IT Futures Foundation, Jewish Family and Children’s Service of Minneapolis – $197,340
JFCS will partner with the Creating IT Futures Foundation to start 60 low-income individuals on a pathway to Information Technology careers through the IT-Ready Apprentice Program, eight weeks of technical and business skills training. Successful students will earn CompTIA A+ certification followed by a six-month paid apprenticeship by a Twin Cities area employer. Participants are also expected to complete at least a second IT certification in Network Administration through mentored and peer-supported on-line coursework to ensure increased employability and advancement in the field.
Contact: Margie Earhart, Jewish Family & Children’s Service of Mpls., 952-542-4815

MN Resource Center, RESOURCE, Employment Action Center – $99,875
Employment Action Center (EAC), one of four divisions of RESOURCE, Inc., is one of the largest providers of employment and training services for low-income individuals in the Twin Cities. MN Resource Center (MRC), another division of RESOURCE, provides career training programs specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with barriers to employment, particularly those with low education or skill levels. RESOURCE will provide 37 participants with the technical skills needed to enter employment within two diverse career areas, office support and manufacturing. After successful completion of training, participants will receive ongoing support, and job search and placement assistance.
Contact: Carrie Scheffler, RESOURCE, 612-752-8833

Century College, Precision, Inc. – $49,776
Precision, Inc., located in White Bear Lake, is a high-tech manufacturing company which designs and manufactures magnetic components used in several markets including medical, telecommunications, consumer electronics and avionics/aerospace/defense. In partnership with Century College, 110 employees will receive training in Design for Manufacturing, Principles of Magnetics for Non-Engineers, World Class Manufacturing, Precision Tools, and Advanced Leadership Skills. CEUs will be awarded for successful completion of the coursework.
Contact: Jeralyn Jargo, Century College, 651-779-3235

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 our services, visit us at http://mn.gov/deed/. Follow us on Twitter at twitter.com/mndeed