MN SF3503

Creates a grant program administered by the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to reimburse employers up to 50 percent of educational costs for employees or prospective employees completing qualifying academic programs at Minnesota State Colleges and Universities (no more than 60 credits).

Eligible employers must have or anticipate having at least one job vacancy requiring a degree or certificate in a high-demand occupation in their economic development region; grants prioritize occupations with job vacancy rates higher than the regional average.

Requires the Commissioner to allocate 50 percent of grant dollars to employers in seven metropolitan counties and 50 percent to employers outside those counties; the Commissioner may prioritize specific high-demand occupations with 30 days' advance notice.

Mandates at least two application rounds per calendar year and requires annual reporting to legislative committees on program outcomes including completion rates, employer costs, occupational classifications, and program efficacy by December 1, 2017 and annually thereafter.

Appropriates $10,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 for grants (available until December 31, 2019) and $300,000 annually for program administration and promotion in cooperation with Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.