MN SF3056

Commissioner of employment and economic development shall establish and administer a grant program to increase women's participation in high-wage, high-demand, nontraditional occupations, with priority given to programs serving women of color and STEM fields.

Eligible organizations include community-based organizations, employers, trade associations, labor unions, apprenticeship programs, educational institutions, and workforce development agencies.

Grant funds may support recruitment, training, placement, retention, workplace safety initiatives, employer training on gender equity and sexual harassment prevention, public education, and support services including childcare and transportation assistance.

At least 50 percent of total grant funds must be awarded to programs providing services targeted to low-income women and women of color.

Commissioner must submit annual reports by January 15 beginning in 2019, detailing fund use disaggregated by race, cultural groups, family income, age, location, immigrant status, language, disability status, and homelessness; unspecified amount appropriated from general fund for fiscal year 2017.