December 2025
 Growing Careers: Agriculture Workforce Competitive Grant Awards
Congratulations to those who received awards for the Growing Careers Competitive grant! Growing Careers grants support projects that provide outreach, case management, work readiness, and agriculture-specific or related skills training, support services, and job placement and retention assistance for Dislocated Workers. View the press release.
SE Asian and WESA Competitive Grant Awards
Congratulations to those who received awards for the Southeast Asian Economic Disparities Relief (SE Asian) and Women’s Economic Security Act (WESA) Competitive grants! Your ACP Coordinator will continue to work with newly awarded grantees to move the contracting process forward for both grants.
Reminder: Grant Awards
As award letters are being sent to applicants, we kindly remind you not to make any public announcements about your award until DEED issues an official press release, which is expected within a few weeks of award notifications.
SFY26-27 Adult Direct Appropriations
The ACP team is working closely with all Adult Direct Appropriation grantees to finalize the SFY26-27 contracts. We appreciate your patience as these contracts advance through the review and approval process. Thank you to everyone who attended the ACP Direct Appropriations onboarding event in September! Both the PowerPoint and recording are posted to the ACP webpage for reference.
Reminder: Grantee Name and SWIFT Registration
Organizations must use their legal name and legal address on all forms, contracts, within the SWIFT payment system, and Workforce One. The name and contact information for an organization need to match, exactly. This applies to organizations that have a “doing business as (dba)” name. When applying for grants, setting up contracts with DEED, setting up your organization in the SWIFT system, or any other required forms, organizations need to make sure they are using their legal name and legal address. If DEED staff notice discrepancies with a name and/or address, we will be reaching out to the contact person to correct. However, if organizations can please keep this in mind when applying for grants and when setting up contracts with DEED, we would appreciate it.
To check that your SWIFT account has your legal name and legal address, please check out the SWIFT help desk link. https://mn.gov/mmb/accounting/swift/help-desk/
SFY26-27 Important Changes:
Grantee Contact Information Required to be Posted on Websites
As determined by the Commissioner of Administration, grant agreements now require grantees to clearly post on the grantee’s website the names of, and contact information for, the organization’s leadership and the employee or other person who directly manages and oversees the grant for the grantee. If no grantee website exists, the requirement is voided.
Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity is the Law
All participants must be provided with a Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity document. Grantees must:
- Fill in the Local Equal Opportunity Officer section of the document.
- Provide the Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity document to each participant.
- Document that each participant has received a copy of the Privacy Notice/Equal Opportunity document in Workforce One by checking the box at enrollment.
This document replaces the “How We Use Your Personal Information/Equal Opportunity is the Law” for all SFY26-27 ACP Programs.
ACP/P2P Performance Summary Report
A new Workforce One summary report will be available for SFY26-27 contracts that will provide the number of participants enrolled, training services received and exits to employment or to post-secondary education. The report will compare Workforce One actual numbers to the planned outcomes based on the grant contract. The report also calculates the percentage of outcomes achieved.
Reminder: Completing Corrective Actions Timely
Per DEED’s Oversight and Monitoring Policy, when Corrective Actions are issued at a monitoring visit, grantees are required to provide a response addressing each finding noted in the Monitoring Report within 30 calendar days. Generally, the corrective action plan provided will outline the action the grantee needs to take to correct the problem and the date due. Grantees can always reach out to their assigned Monitor or ACP Coordinator for technical assistance on Corrective Actions.
Adult Career Pathways Webpage
Check out the ACP home page for resources and tools to assist in the management of ACP Grants.
Success Stories
We'd love to learn about the amazing work you're doing and how it is positively impacting the lives of participants throughout the State of Minnesota! To submit a success story, please fill out this brief ACP Success Stories Form.
Participant Success Stories
Story #1
J was determined to improve his life and create better opportunities for his family, despite living in Greater Minnesota, where access to training programs is limited. He found CLUES and enrolled in their CDL program, dedicating himself fully to learning and growing especially since being away from school or an education setting in a long time. Through his hard work and perseverance, J expanded his professional skill set by updating his resume and gaining new knowledge in digital literacy and financial literacy, which helped when it came to looking for employment. J earned his CDL license and built valuable connections along the way that helped him secure a job with Jennie-O.
Story #2
A is an inspiring example of dedication and ambition in pursuing a career in the medical field. She joined CLUES’ program to gain valuable experience to complement her pursuit of a doctorate; she has also been an active volunteer with CLUES, demonstrating her commitment to community service and professional growth. A appreciated the program not only for the supportive environment allowing her to start and finish classes with peers who encouraged her every step of the way but also for the guidance and resources provided in areas she had not previously explored. Upon completing the program, A was able to secure employment at a hospital earning $22.67/hr. through the support and connections provided by our job developer and employment coach, taking meaningful steps toward achieving her professional goals.
Story #3
A single mother who had not held paid employment since age 16 came to the program looking for a fresh start. After exploring several career paths through job shadowing in healthcare, she found her passion. In March, she became a certified nursing assistant and is continuing her studies at M State to become a registered nurse. Today, she’s proudly working as a CNA and building a future for her family.
Please contact your Adult Career Pathways Grant Coordinator directly with any questions regarding Adult Career Pathways Programs.
 Formula Funds – WIOA Adult, WIOA DW and State DW
- PY23FY24 WIOA Adult and DW Reallocation: Reallocation of unspent PY23FY24 WIOA Adult and DW funds is in process. Please be on the lookout for communication from the grants team.
- On 11/3/25 DWFAP posted four draft policies for their 30-day public comment period. DWFAP invites public comments are all four draft policies, and their related attachments, by midnight on Wednesday, 12/3/25 deadline. Comments can be submitted by the “Send a Comment” function on the webpage or by email to deed@state.mn.us. The four draft policies are:
- The Minnesota Office of the State Auditor will be conducting a Financial and Compliance Report on Federally Assisted Programs for the year ending June 30, 2025. This Financial and Compliance report on Federally Assisted Programs includes all federal assistance expended by the state agencies determined to be a part of the state of Minnesota's primary government. ETP will share the report once it is completed. Previous reports can be accessed here: Statewide Single Audits | MN Office of the State Auditor (OSA)
- Please note Monthly SLIG meetings will not be held in November and December due to upcoming holidays.
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP)
The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration (ETA) monitored the State’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) in Nov. 2024. There were seven findings issued; 6 which have been fully resolved. The unresolved/open finding is related to Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs). Specifically,
- MN DEED does not have executed MOUs for all Workforce Development Area (WDA) One-Stop Centers where SCSEP slots are located.
- Existing MOUs list the subgrantee as the partnering agency, with no reference to MN DEED as the SCSEP partner.
- MN DEED is not currently listed as a signatory SCSEP partner on these MOUs.
As a corrective action, DEED was directed to ensure that fully executed MOUs are in place with all WDA One-Stop Centers serving SCSEP counties by December 31, 2025. These MOUs must include MN DEED as the SCSEP partner and signatory.
Please ensure that your Local Areas MOUs are moved forward as quickly as possible. If your local area is not able to get a fully executed MOU in place by the required deadline, please inform Juanita Borton and Lensa Idossa.
Strengthening SCSEP Outcomes Through Supportive Services
Supportive services are a core component of SCSEP. They enable participants to fully engage in training, successfully transition to employment, and maintain long-term stability. When implemented effectively, supportive services do more than meet immediate needs, they remove barriers and build confidence for lasting success.
Why Support Services Matter: Older workers often face challenges such as transportation difficulties, technology gaps, and limited access to affordable healthcare. Supportive services address these barriers so participants can focus on skill-building and job preparation. SCSEP data consistently shows higher placement and retention rates among individuals who receive timely, well-documented support.
- Begin with a Holistic Assessment: Use initial and semi-annual assessments to understand each participant’s personal, financial, and technological circumstances. Go beyond standard questions to explore housing stability, caregiving responsibilities, and access to digital tools. Document needs clearly in the Individual Employment Plan (IEP) to align services with employment goals.
- Prioritize Early and Preventive Support: Early intervention prevents minor issues from becoming major setbacks. Transportation assistance at the start of training, for example, can improve attendance and engagement. Encourage participants to communicate challenges as they arise.
- Partner Strategically: Collaborate with local agencies, community action programs, and transportation providers to extend limited SCSEP resources. Many Workforce Development Areas (WDAs) use referral networks to connect participants to housing, food, utilities, and healthcare supports.
- Track and Document Impact: Accurate documentation in GPMS ensures compliance and demonstrates effectiveness. Record the type of support provided, the amount, and the resulting outcome. These details strengthen performance reports and support continued investment in supportive services.
- Integrate Support Into Retention Strategies: Support should continue after job placement. Resources such as clothing vouchers, technology refreshers, or short-term transportation assistance help sustain employment, especially during the first 90 days.
Supportive services are essential, not optional, for participant success. Identifying needs early, coordinating community resources, and documenting outcomes ensures older workers can thrive during and after SCSEP participation.
Retaining Employment and Talent after Injury/Illness Network (RETAIN)
As MN RETAIN continues to enroll ill/injured individuals, some may benefit from workforce services and training. The MN RETAIN Mayo Clinic team will complete a referral form and submit it to MN RETAIN staff at DEED Headquarters. That referral form will indicate the CareerForce location of their choice. The manager of the local area's Dislocated Worker program will receive an email from MN RETAIN staff at DEED with the participants' referral details.
Our request is for the local area manager to forward the referral email to an available Dislocated Worker counselor to proceed with intake procedures, using the referral form as proof of eligibility into the State Dislocated Worker (eligibility category of Non-Work-Related Illness or Injury). MN RETAIN staff at DEED Headquarters will continue communicating with the assigned counselor to provide guidance and ensure the transfer of information is complete for data entry into Workforce One.
REMINDER: Please treat a referral from MN RETAIN to State DW as you would any other walk-in referral.
Please note, the local area manager will continue to be included in all communication from DEED to their staff. This desk reference guide may be a helpful resource, or please contact info@mnretain.com to connect directly with the RETAIN team.
Reminders:
- Monthly Financial Status Report (FRS)/Monthly Reimbursement Payment Request (RPR):
- Due the 20th day of the month following the preceding month-end. For example, the September RPR/FSR (September 30 end date) is due October 20.
- Report accrued monthly expenditures.
- A monthly RPR/FSR is required even if no funds were expended.
- Quarterly Progress Report:
- Reports for Quarter ending September 2025 are due on October 30. Please report on all active grants.
Use Dislocated Worker General Email to Reach All Team Members
Please continue to email requests, reports, technical assistance questions, etc. to the Dislocated Worker Federal Adult Programs general email at DWFAPrograms.DEED@state.mn.us.
 Adult Programs Performance Scorecards:
Program Year (PY) 2025 Quarter One (Q1) Participant Individual Record Layouts (PIRLs) were approved to submit to the Department of Labor (DOL) on November 19, 2025. Scorecards will be available shortly after these reports are accepted by the DOL.
- WIOA Dislocated Worker
- WIOA Adult
- WIOA Dislocated Worker Grants
- State Dislocated Worker
- Total Dislocated Worker
Please email all requests, reports, and technical assistance questions to the performance team’s general email address at performanceap.deed@state.mn.us
Please email all requests, reports, and technical assistance questions to the Dislocated Worker Federal Adult Programs general email at dwfaprograms.deed@state.mn.us.
 TAA New Enrollment Guidance Due to Program Sunsetting
Due to lack of available TAA funding, the Minnesota TAA Program is not accepting new TAA applications. DEED will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.
Reminder, TAA eligible customers may continue receiving services through the Dislocated Worker Program.
Participants currently accessing TAA services should continue receiving those services. Please contact the TAA general mailbox with any questions or concerns you may have. (deed.taa@state.mn.us)
We appreciate your continued partnership.
TAA Petitions
Petitions can still be filed, but DOL’s investigation is paused until program restoration or reauthorization. You can check the status of petitions on U.S. Department of Labor website: https://www.doleta.gov/tradeact/petitioners.
Please email all questions and customer applications to the Trade Adjustment Assistance general email at deed.taa@state.mn.us.
What’s Driving the Growth in Self-Employment?
Extending the recent surge in self-employment, new data released by the Census Bureau in May show that Minnesota added nearly 11,000 more nonemployer establishments from 2022 to 2023, a further 2.4% increase. Self-employment surged to over 453,000 establishments in Minnesota in 2023, adding nearly 44,000 since the pandemic and more than 104,000 over the past two decades. Recent growth has been led by Transportation through gig platforms, alongside gains in Professional Services, Education and Health Services, Real Estate, and creative fields, while a few other industries have declined. The self-employed workforce is also becoming more diverse, with rising ownership among people of color and women, signaling both new opportunities and ongoing shifts in the state's evolving economy.
Projections vs. Models: Tools for Understanding the Future of Minnesota’s Clean Economy Workforce
Ever wonder where “jobs created” numbers come from? This article explains how these tools work, their limits, and how they’re being applied to climate and infrastructure planning here and across the country. Forward-looking employment estimates show up in more places than you might expect. You may encounter them in news headlines about job creation, but they are also used behind the scenes to guide education and training program planning and to help workforce development boards find programs that set people up for long-term opportunities. They can even sway which economic development projects get the green light and influence support for policies based on their potential job impacts.
Emerging Technologies in Information Technology Occupations
Information Technology jobs are heavily based on the platforms and technologies that are in use. In the years since the last Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) revision in 2018, those tools have changed rapidly.
If you have questions about Labor Market Information, please email deed.lmi@state.mn.us.
This newsletter is meant for DEED Grantees, Providers, and Employment Counselors. We want this e-Newsletter to meet your needs! We encourage you to send your comments and suggestions to deed.taa@state.mn.us.
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