MN SF1599

Appropriates $300,000 from the general fund in fiscal year 2024 to the Department of Labor and Industry for a grant to Independent School District No. 294, Houston, for the Minnesota Virtual Academy's career pathways program with Operating Engineers Local 49.

Program includes up to five semesters of courses and must lead to eligibility for the Operating Engineers Local 49 apprenticeship program.

Grant funds may support student participation through academic, counseling, and other support services provided by the enrolling school district, with the Minnesota Virtual Academy able to contract with school districts for these services.

Program must conduct outreach to and encourage participation by students of color, Indigenous students, low-income students, students throughout Minnesota, and underserved students.

District No. 294 must submit annual written reports by January 15 documenting student experiences, program spending, participant demographics and geography, student participation numbers, and apprenticeship enrollment rates, with recommendations to improve career pathways programs statewide.