Minnesota Job Skills Partnership — Pathways Program

MJSP Pathways

Supports Minnesota workforce pathways through business-education partnerships that create skilled career tracks.

The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership (MJSP) Pathways Program, administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), funds training programs that create career pathways for individuals with incomes at or below 200 percent of federal poverty guidelines, or for those transitioning from public assistance to employment. Grants of up to $500,000 per project are awarded to accredited Minnesota educational institutions or workforce development intermediaries — defined as public, private, or nonprofit organizations providing employment services to low-income individuals — that partner with at least one business to design and deliver the training.

Eligible costs mirror those of the Partnership program: curriculum development, instruction, training materials and supplies, equipment, and instructor travel. Partners may also work with local human service agencies and nonprofit organizations providing training-related services. The business match requirement is lower than in the Partnership program: a 0.5:1 ratio (business contributes at least one dollar for every two dollars of program funds). Projects typically run one to two years. The same joint application forms are used for both the Partnership and Pathways programs, and both share DEED's MJSP Portal.

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. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed by the MJSP Board three to six times per year. Application guides and forms were updated in November 2025. Workforce intermediaries and educational institutions working with low-income populations in manufacturing, healthcare, or technology sectors represent the strongest applicant fit. Contact: deed.mjsp@state.mn.us or 651-259-7514.