2002 Minnesota Statutes

     116L.04 Partnership power. 

    Subdivision 1.    Partnership program.  (a) The 
 partnership program may provide grants-in-aid to educational or 
 other nonprofit educational institutions using the following 
 guidelines:  

    (1) the educational or other nonprofit educational 
 institution is a provider of training within the state in either 
 the public or private sector; 

    (2) the program involves skills training that is an area of 
 employment need; and 

    (3) preference will be given to educational or other 
 nonprofit training institutions which serve economically 
 disadvantaged people, minorities, or those who are victims of 
 economic dislocation and to businesses located in rural areas.  

    (b) A single grant to any one institution shall not exceed 
 $400,000.  

    Subd. 1a.    Pathways program.  The pathways program may 
 provide grants-in-aid for developing programs which assist in 
 the transition of persons from welfare to work and assist 
 individuals at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty 
 guidelines.  The program is to be operated by the board.  The 
 board shall consult and coordinate with program administrators 
 at the department of economic security to design and provide 
 services for temporary assistance for needy families recipients. 

    Pathways grants-in-aid may be awarded to educational or 
 other nonprofit training institutions for education and training 
 programs and services supporting education and training programs 
 that serve eligible recipients. 

    Preference shall be given to projects that: 

    (1) provide employment with benefits paid to employees; 

    (2) provide employment where there are defined career paths 
 for trainees; 

    (3) pilot the development of an educational pathway that 
 can be used on a continuing basis for transitioning persons from 
 welfare to work; and 

    (4) demonstrate the active participation of department of 
 economic security workforce centers, Minnesota state college and 
 university institutions and other educational institutions, and 
 local welfare agencies. 

    Pathways projects must demonstrate the active involvement 
 and financial commitment of private business.  Pathways projects 
 must be matched with cash or in-kind contributions on at least a 
 one-to-one ratio by participating private business. 

    A single grant to any one institution shall not exceed 
 $400,000. 

    The board shall annually, by March 31, report to the 
 commissioners of economic security and trade and economic 
 development on pathways programs, including the number of 
 recipients participating in the program, the number of 
 participants placed in employment, the salary and benefits they 
 receive, and the state program costs per participant. 

    Subd. 2.    Information.  The board may collect and 
 disseminate information concerning areas of projected employment 
 need.  The board may also prepare and publish studies, organize 
 conferences, and conduct special projects which will increase 
 knowledge and communication in the areas of employment need, 
 skills training, and education.  

    Subd. 3. Repealed, 1987 c 403 art 2 s 164 

    Subd. 4.    Performance standards and reporting.  By 
 January 15, 2002, the board must develop performance standards 
 for workforce development and job training programs receiving 
 state funding.  The standards may vary across program types.  
 The board may contract with a consultant to develop the 
 performance standards.  The board must consult with stakeholder 
 advocacy groups, nonprofit service providers, and local 
 workforce councils in the development of both performance 
 standards and reporting requirements.  The adult standards must 
 at a minimum measure: 

    (1) the employability levels of individuals as defined by 
 basic skill level, the amount of work experience, and barriers 
 to employment prior to program entry; 

    (2) the individual's annual income and employability level 
 for the 12 months prior to entering the program, the starting 
 annual income upon placement after completing the program, 
 employability level and annual income one year after completion 
 of the program, and the individual's reported satisfaction; 

    (3) the program completion rate, placement rate, 
 employability level upon placement, and one-year retention rate; 
 and 

    (4) the governmental cost per placement and per job 
 retained at one year and the percentage of program funding 
 coming from the state and other levels of government. 

 After January 15, 2002, all workforce development programs 
 receiving state funds must submit an annual performance report 
 to the board.  The board may develop a uniform format for the 
 report and prescribe the manner in which the report is required 
 to be submitted.  

    HIST: 1983 c 334 s 4,7; 1Sp1985 c 14 art 9 s 6; 1987 c 384 art 
 3 s 27; 1987 c 386 art 10 s 8; 1987 c 401 s 36; 1989 c 335 art 1 
 s 167,270; 1997 c 200 art 1 s 58,59; 1999 c 223 art 2 s 30; 2000 
 c 488 art 2 s 6; 2001 c 181 s 2; 1Sp2001 c 4 art 2 s 4