Grow Your Own Competitive Grant Opportunity – State FY28
Grow Your Own Competitive Grant Opportunity – State FY28 supports adults and secondary students through local teacher preparation and exploration pathways to diversify Minnesota’s teacher workforce.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Education
Due Dates: November 17, 2026 (Webinar) | December 23, 2026 (Questions) | January 14, 2027, by 3 p.m. Central Time (Applications)
Funding Amounts: $35 million total; advertised maximums of $750,000 (Adults) and $500,000 (Secondary Students); up to five years
Summary: Supports local pathways into teaching to increase and diversify Minnesota’s teacher workforce.
Key Information: Apply separately for each pathway through MEGS; only the organization’s Identified Official with Authority may submit.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Education’s Grow Your Own program supports community-based pathways into teaching under Minnesota Statutes, section 122A.73. It aims to increase the number of teachers of color and American Indian teachers, helping Minnesota’s teaching workforce better reflect its students and expanding equitable access to effective, diverse educators.
The opportunity has two strands. The Adult Pathway helps local school employees and affiliated community members obtain their first professional teaching license through scholarships, stipends, teacher preparation partnerships, and wrap-around support. The Secondary Student Pathway encourages middle and high school students to explore teaching through future educator clubs, service learning, introductory education courses, postsecondary enrollment support, and scholarships. Eligible organizations may apply for either pathway or both.
