RFP for Competitive Youth Funding

Minnesota Youth Workforce Development Competitive Grant

Request for Proposals
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announces the availability of $2,705,600 of funding authorized under Minnesota Session Laws of 2011, First Special Session, Chapter 4. (The full text of the applicable law is included on page 9 of the Request for Proposals).

Grant awards may range from $50,000 to $850,000 under this solicitation. The cost per participant is not to exceed $2,700 (except for projects targeting deaf, hard-of-hearing and/or deaf-blind students). While there is no matching funds requirement, applicants are encouraged to use leveraged resources.

Project Goals
DEED has identified the following priorities, impact areas, and goals for all proposals:

(1)  Provide work experience for economically disadvantaged or at-risk youth, ages 14 through 24 (including those who are out-of-school and/or involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems, residing in MFIP households, youth with disabilities, and youth from communities of color

(2) Promote mastery of work readiness competencies and 21st Century skills as demonstrated through workplace portfolios and other assessments

(3) Promote skill acquisition (academic and work readiness) through project-based instruction

(4) Increase exposure to in-demand jobs important to regional economies

(5) Provide high-quality work sites and overall participant and employer satisfaction.

Eligible Applicants
Applicants must be youth-serving organizations with significant capacity, demonstrable youth development experience and outcomes to operate a youth workforce development project during the contract period.

In awarding grants under this subdivision, consideration will be given to programs that target deaf, hard of hearing, and deaf/blind students.

Application Deadline
Interested applicants must submit a Statement of Intent to apply for these funds to be received by DEED no later than close of business on Monday,
January 9, 2012. The final proposal is to be received by DEED no later than 4 p.m. on Friday, February 10, 2012. Late proposals will NOT be considered. Fax or e-mailed proposals will NOT be considered.

• View or download the Request for Proposal
• View Frequently Asked Questions

Alternative Formats Available
The Request for Proposal is available in alternative formats upon request. For TDD, contact Minnesota Relay at 711 or (800) 627-3529.

For More Information
E-mail John.R.Olson@state.mn.us