Pathways Program
Pathways Program supports partnerships among businesses, educators, and employment-service organizations to train low-income Minnesotans for jobs and career paths while meeting workforce needs.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
Due Dates: September 14, 2026 (Regular applications) | October 5, 2026 (Short-form applications)
Funding Amounts: Up to $500,000; short-form grants up to $50,000
Summary: Supports partnerships that train low-income Minnesotans for jobs and career paths with businesses.
Key Information: Grantees must partner with at least one Minnesota business; a .5:1 business match applies.
Description
The Pathways Program is offered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development through the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP). It funds partnerships between businesses and eligible educational institutions or employment-service organizations to provide training, new jobs, and career paths for low-income people. The program emphasizes economic opportunity for workers while also promoting economic development and building educational capacity.
MJSP’s broader goal is to connect short-term training with full-time employment in growing sectors of Minnesota’s economy. Pathways training is primarily new or customized, although some existing training is included. The program is intended to help partners meet business workforce needs while widening employment opportunities for people with low incomes.
