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Corrections Apprenticeship Preparation Program Grant

Grant funding up to $300,000 is available. Estimated number of awards is one.

Grant timeline

  • March 23, 2026:  RFP posted on the DLI website.

  • April 6, 2026:  Questions due no later than 4:30 p.m. CDT.

  • April 20, 2026:  Applications due no later than 4:30 p.m. CDT.

  • April 29, 2026:  Committee begins review of applications.

  • May 11, 2026:  Selected applicants undergo pre-award risk assessment.

  • May 25, 2026:  Selected grantee announced; grant contract agreement negotiations begin.

  • July 1, 2026:  Grant contract agreement signed and grant begins.

Objective

This grant is fully funded through a $4.7 million State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant (Award # 24A60AP000057) that DLI received from the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration. ALN/CFDA number 17.285. All grant awardees will need to comply with the requirements in 2 CFR 200 and 2 CFR 2900, including but not limited to the provisions required by eCFR :: Appendix II to Part 200, Title 2 -- Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts Under Federal Awards. 

This grant opportunity is intended to provide funding to eligible registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) in the building and construction trades for the development and implementation of apprenticeship preparation programming for incarcerated individuals, preferably those with an anticipated release date within one to two years, at a Minnesota correctional facility.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be organizations with an existing, active registered apprenticeship program (RAP) in the building and construction trades, demonstrate the capacity to develop and implement apprenticeship preparation programming that supports and trains at least 20 currently incarcerated individuals in Minnesota and be registered and in good standing with both the Internal Revenue Service and the Minnesota Secretary of State.

The grant program seeks proposals from organizations capable of developing and delivering apprenticeship preparation programs within state correctional facilities that provide a direct pathway to enrollment in a RAP upon a participant’s release. Applicants must demonstrate organizational capacity and experience working with incarcerated individuals. Prior experience and documented success delivering similar programs are preferred.

To ensure successful program implementation, the awarded organization must coordinate with the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

In addition, to be eligible for funding, applicants must:

  1. Meet the application deadline;

  2. Submit a complete application with supporting documents as appropriate; 

  3. Demonstrate the ability to design and develop an apprenticeship preparation program; 

  4. Serve the focus population listed for this grant program; and

  5. Meet all eligibility requirements outlined in this solicitation.

Award amount

Up to $300,000 is available. Estimated number of awards is 1.

RFP and application materials

Questions?