MN SF310

Establishes a voluntary Rural Career and Technical Education (CTE) Consortium led by the Southwest/West Central Service Cooperative (SWWC) in collaboration with Southwest Minnesota State University, Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Ridgewater College, and regional partners to serve the SWWC's 18-county service area.

Consortium shall develop collaborative CTE courses and programs focused on rural industry sectors, equip students with technical and workplace skills, improve access for rural school districts, increase awareness of CTE opportunities, and provide capital start-up costs for equipment including mobile welding labs and medical equipment.

Consortium may optionally address CTE teacher shortages through incentive funding and training programs, and provide transportation reimbursement grants to ensure equitable student participation across the region.

Appropriates $5,000,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2018 as a one-time grant to SWWC, available until June 30, 2022, with a base of $0 for fiscal year 2023 and later.

Requires the Rural CTE Consortium to submit annual reports to the legislature and commissioner of education by January 15, beginning no later than January 15, 2019, including financial reports for the preceding fiscal year.