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Recognized apprenticeship preparation program grant

Grant funding up to up to $50,000. Maximum of $10,000 per applicant, minimum of $5,000 per applicant.

Grant timeline

  • Jan. 29, 2026:  Request for proposals (RFP) posted on the DLI web site

  • Feb. 20, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CST:  Deadline for questions

  • March 3, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CST:  Applications due

  • March 20, 2026:  Committee begins review of applications

  • April 2026:  Selected grantees announced; grant contract agreement negotiations begin 

  • April 2026 or date of contract execution:  Work plans approved and grant begins

Objective 

DLI’s Apprenticeship Division supports Minnesota’s economy by promoting, facilitating and developing quality registered apprenticeship programs (RAPs) that recruit, train and retain a highly skilled workforce. Apprenticeship is an earn-as-you-learn workforce training model that allows people to earn a good living while mastering in-demand skills.

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– Contract Provisions for Non-Federal Entity Contracts under Federal Awards. 

Eligibility

Applicants must meet all minimum requirements to be considered for this grant opportunity. Applications that do not fully meet these requirements will not be reviewed further.

Eligible applicants include community-based organizations, workforce development agencies, non-profits, and registered apprenticeship programs in Minnesota that demonstrate the capacity, experience, and relationships necessary to administer a RAP. Multi-organizational collaboratives are not permitted.

To qualify for funding, applicants must:

  1. submit their application by the deadline;

  2. be in good standing with the Minnesota Secretary of State;

  3. demonstrate capacity, experience, and the necessary relationships to administer a RAP;

  4. if not a registered apprenticeship program, provide at least one signed letter of support from a Minnesota RAP sponsor outlining collaboration and entry or credit arrangements; and

  5. become a Minnesota Department of Labor recognized RAP during the grant award period.

Award amount

Grant funding up to up to $50,000. Maximum of $10,000 per applicant, minimum of $5,000 per applicant. 

RFP and application materials 

Questions?