Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP) Grant
Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP) Grant supports Minnesotans facing employment barriers through recruitment, preparation, and supportive services to enter and remain in registered apprenticeships.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry
Due Dates: October 16, 2026, noon CDT (Training-partner assistance) | October 23, 2026, noon CDT (Questions) | October 30, 2026, noon CDT (Applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $100,000 per applicant; $900,000 estimated for 9–12 awards within $1 million total funding; approximately 18 months
Summary: Supports recruitment and retention of Minnesotans facing employment barriers in registered apprenticeship programs.
Key Information: FY26 LEAP grantees and FY27 first-round LEAP grantees are ineligible because overlapping grant contracts are not allowed.
Description
The Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP), administered by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI), funds efforts to increase participation and retention in registered apprenticeship programs. It serves prospective and current apprentices facing barriers to employment, including people of color, Indigenous people, and women. Projects may focus on recruitment, retention, or both; retention-only proposals are eligible.
Funding supports outreach, apprenticeship preparation, placement, and supportive services that help participants enter and remain in DLI-registered apprenticeships. These services can address transportation, childcare, language, training, equipment, and other employment barriers. The program seeks increased enrollment and retention of priority populations in an earn-as-you-learn model combining classroom instruction with on-the-job training and leading to a nationally recognized credential.
