Minnesota Job Skills Partnership — Partnership Program

MJSP Partnership

Supports Minnesota employers in educational partnerships through workforce development grants for new worker pathways.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Partnership Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), awards grants of up to $500,000 to accredited Minnesota educational institutions that develop and deliver custom training programs in partnership with Minnesota businesses. The grant is made to the educational institution, not the company, and funds curriculum development, instruction, training materials and supplies, training equipment, and instructor travel. Wage subsidies and tuition reimbursement are not eligible costs, though employee wages paid during training count toward the required business match.

Minnesota businesses must partner with the applying institution and provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match. Projects typically run one to two years. Pre-Development Grants of up to $50,000 are also available for planning large-scale Partnership projects targeting high-wage, high-growth, or high-skill occupations. Applications are reviewed three to six times per year by the MJSP Board. For grants exceeding $50,000, regular applications are due six weeks before the board meeting; for grants at or below $50,000, short-form applications are due three weeks before the board meeting.

For the October 26, 2026 board cycle, regular applications are due September 14, 2026, and short-form applications (maximum $50,000) are due October 5, 2026. Application guides and forms were updated in November 2025 and are submitted through the MJSP Portal. The December 2026 board meeting is tentative and not currently accepting applications. Organizations interested in training programs for new or existing employees across any sector should contact DEED at deed.mjsp@state.mn.us or 651-259-7514.