About Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Program
The Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership (MJSP) Program strategically helps Minnesota businesses and schools competitively train the workforce. Grants are awarded by the Minnesota Job Skills Partnership Board to educational institutions that partner with businesses to develop new-job training or retraining for existing employees. All training projects pair at least one public/private accredited Minnesota educational institution and one business. Funds may be used for training-related costs or educational infrastructure improvements necessary to support businesses located or intending to locate in Minnesota. A cash or in-kind contribution from the contributing business must match program funds on at least a one-to-one ratio.
The main MJSP program is:
- Partnership Program - grants to provide training that businesses need for new or existing employees
- A Pre-Development Grant may be available to assist in covering costs associated with planning a specific, large-scale project for which Partnership Program funds will subsequently be requested
Other MJSP grant activities are:
- Special Incumbent Worker Training Program - grants to provide training to assist businesses and workers to gain new skills that are in demand in the Minnesota economy
- Health Care and Human Services Training Program - grants to provide training to alleviate worker shortages in the health care and human services industries
- Pathways Program - grants to provide training for individuals making a transition from public assistance to work
- Low Income Worker Training Program - grants to help low-income individuals receive training to acquire additional skills in order to move up the career ladder to higher paying jobs
Interested businesses should contact their local accredited Minnesota educational institution to learn if the MJSP Program fits their needs. (Individuals seeking training opportunities should contact local WorkForce Centers for assistance. MJSP is directed to businesses, not individuals.)
In addition to grants, MJSP also offers a loan program:
- Hire Education Loan Program (HELP) - short-term, no-interest loans to businesses to acquire training