To create a first step act initiative to provide pre- and post-release individualized career pathways training, employment seeking skills development, employment attainment, and sustainability…

This $24 million cooperative agreement awarded by the Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration will fund a First Step Act initiative through the Reentry Employment Opportunities federal grant program (CFDA 17.270). The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development will provide pre- and post-release career pathways training, employment skills development, job placement assistance and support services to individuals residing in four minimum- or low-security Federal Bureau of Prisons facilities in Minnesota. Beneficiaries will receive assessments, basic skills and cognitive behavioral training to support future employment, and have opportunities to obtain industry-recognized certifications in high-demand fields like information technology, construction and solar/green energy. The initiative also includes registered apprenticeship construction training and a program allowing certificate credits to transfer towards academic credentials. Services will be delivered through October 1, 2022 through March 30, 2026 with the goals of strengthening communities by reducing recidivism as program participants successfully transition to sustainable employment.

To create a first step act initiative to provide pre- and post-release individualized career pathways training, employment seeking skills development, employment attainment, and sustainability services to individuals currently residing in the four minimum- or low-security federal bureau of prisons (BOP) correctional facilities in minnesota, who at the time of enrollment are residing in the duluth, sandstone, rochester and waseca facilities and will release to a residential reentry center, and their communities. Activities performed the program will assess participants employment readiness, provide basic skills training and cognitive behavioral interventions to support their success in future employment experiences, deliver educational training programs that offer certifications for in-demand occupations in the information technology, construction and solar/green energy industries, registered apprenticeship construction training, and a "certificates to credits" opportunity, to meet specific labor market needs of the communities where they will live. Deliverables - the capacity of justice and workforce system partnerships, services and programming across multiple areas such as education, employment, and housing will be increased and improved. - this program will improve both employment outcome of returning citizens and public safety of all community members - communities will be strengthened by reducing recidivism among program participants. Intended beneficiary individuals currently residing in the four minimum- or low-security federal bureau of prisons (BOP) correctional facilities in minnesota, who at the time of enrollment are residing in the duluth, sandstone, rochester and waseca facilities and will release to a residential reentry center, and their communities. Subrecipient activities N/a