MN SF1401

Creates a service-learning specialist position in the Department of Education effective July 1, 2023, to expand evidence-based service-learning and provide technical assistance to schools and community partners.

Establishes a five-year innovative incubator service-learning grant program awarding up to 32 grants of $50,000 each annually to eligible school-community partnerships, with grants equitably distributed by congressional district.

Requires grant partnerships to include at least two enrolled students, two school employees, and a community-based organization or government agency, with students designing and leading service-learning projects aligned to academic standards.

Mandates partnerships provide a 50 percent match in funds or in-kind contributions (waivable for high-poverty schools) and convey 50 percent of grant funds to community partners implementing the service-learning activities.

Appropriates $300,000 annually for fiscal years 2024-2025 for the specialist position and $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2024-2025 for grants, with commissioner required to report on student and community outcomes by February 15, 2030.