ND SB2144

Establishes a workforce development grant program within the Department of Commerce's division of workforce development to provide grants to tribally controlled community colleges in North Dakota.

Department of Commerce shall consult with the executive director of the Indian Affairs Commission to determine eligible colleges and award grants based on documented job placement rates at each eligible college.

Grants may be used for development of programs providing certificates or degrees for jobs in-demand within the state, or to assist North Dakota students in establishing new businesses that will employ North Dakota citizens.

Grant funds must supplement, not supplant, existing programs or funding sources at the colleges.

Appropriates $500,000 from the student loan trust fund to the Department of Commerce for workforce grants to tribally controlled community colleges for the biennium beginning July 1, 2017, and ending June 30, 2019, designated as one-time funding.