Most Requested Services

Special Incumbent Worker Training Program

The Special Incumbent Worker Training Program, which is a Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Program, is intended to expand opportunities for businesses and workers to gain new skills that are in demand in the Minnesota economy.

Special Incumbent Worker Training Program grants-in-aid may be awarded to state or local government units (including state universities and MnSCU institutions), non-profit organizations, community action agencies, business organizations or associations, or labor organizations. All projects must include the participation of at least one accredited educational institution and business working together. Preference will be given to projects that apply creative training models, innovative partnerships, and expansion or replication of promising practices. Preference will also be given to projects incorporating English as a Second Language training directed at improving functional workplace English. Further preference will be given to applications that demonstrate a regional or statewide impact, a high level of collaboration amongst educational institutions and/or the involvement of Centers of Excellence. Funds may be used for direct training services to provide an increase in the job-related skills of participating incumbent workers. An incumbent worker is defined as an individual employed by a for-profit business or a nonprofit organization in Minnesota with at least one full-time paid employee. Requests for wage subsidies are ineligible. Up to $400,000 of Special Incumbent Worker funds per grant can be awarded for a project. Cash or in-kind contributions from the participating business(es) must match grant funds on at least a one-to-one ratio. Costs are paid on a reimbursement basis.

The MJSP Board awards the grants. Grant application deadlines are posted on the MJSP Board web page and are also published in Minnesota's State Register. Interested businesses should contact their local accredited Minnesota educational institution or other eligible organization as listed above to inquire about the possibility of submitting a grant application.

For more information, see:

• Frequently Asked Questions
• Application Deadlines - listed on the MJSP Board Calendar of Events and the State Register
• Fact Sheet [PDF] - a one-page marketing piece about the Special Incumbent Worker Training Program
• Or contact the Job Skills Programs Office