Friends of Career Solutions Lands $400,000 Grant

(KNSI) — Friends of Career Solutions Serving Central Minnesota will get $400,000 for job skills training, work readiness, internships, work experience, on-the-job training, and job placement.

Friends of Career Solutions is responding to the increasing need in central Minnesota for programs serving low income youth who lack academic and applied skills critical for current and future workplace needs.

The Minnesota Legislature approved $50 million for the Targeted Populations Workforce Programs initiative during the 2023 session. This funding is part of the state’s historic workforce development investment, which totals more than $216 million through June 30th, 2025.

Governor Tim Walz, who authorized the funding, emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “Anyone who has submitted a job application knows the difficulty and frustration that can come with finding work. For underserved communities, those challenges are compounded. These grants directly address those disparities, helping Minnesotans find fulfilling careers and earn sustaining wages while ensuring businesses fill open positions with skilled workers – it’s a win for workers, businesses, and the economy.”

Department of Employment and Economic Development Commissioner Matt Varilek highlighted the program’s impact: “This is a strong group of grantees with specific experience reaching out to underserved communities across Minnesota. These organizations will provide technical and work-readiness skills training along with the support needed to help more Minnesotans secure in-demand jobs with opportunities for career growth.”

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