SF 2223

as introduced - 92nd Legislature (2021 - 2022) Posted on 03/23/2021 08:22am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; establishing a postsecondary innovation grant program;
appropriating money; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter
136A.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

new text begin [136A.903] POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION INNOVATION GRANT
PROGRAM.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
the meanings given them.
new text end

new text begin (b) "Postsecondary education innovation program" means a postsecondary program at
a Minnesota State Colleges and Universities technical college campus or opportunities
industrialization center that trains students in high-growth, high-demand careers, which
program has developed a partnership with local businesses and as well as one or more K-12
school districts, trade associations, unions, local chamber of commerce, or economic
development authority.
new text end

new text begin (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of the Office of Higher Education.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Establishment; eligibility. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner, in consultation with
representatives from Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the business community,
must establish and administer a program annually awarding grants to eligible postsecondary
education innovation programs consistent with this section.
new text end

new text begin (b) Grants may be awarded to Minnesota State Colleges and Universities technical
college campuses and opportunities industrialization centers training students in high-growth,
high-demand careers that have developed a partnership with local businesses and K-12
school districts, trade associations, local chambers of commerce, and economic development
authorities. Funds must be used to develop new and accelerate existing employer-led
workforce exposure programs, technical education pathway programs, dual-training
programs, internships, youth skills training programs, and other industry-recognized
programs. Funding may be used for curriculum development, equipment procurement, or
other start-up costs. Priority consideration for funding shall be given to local partnerships
whose program addresses an industry with a demonstrated workforce shortage. Local
partnerships must demonstrate how business and industry are providing financial and in-kind
contributions to the program.
new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin APPROPRIATION.
new text end

new text begin $....... in fiscal year 2022 and $....... in fiscal year 2023 are appropriated from the general
fund to the commissioner of higher education for the postsecondary education innovation
program under Minnesota Statutes, section 136A.903.
new text end