SF1608

This Minnesota Senate bill (S.F. No. 1608) proposes appropriating funds from the general fund to the Department of Education for a grant to a nonprofit organization. The grant will be used to develop and implement a global competency skills pilot program to train students statewide in critical workforce skills such as critical thinking, collaboration, adaptability, and evidence-based reasoning.

Key provisions of the bill include:

• Funding: A total of $3,000,000 is allocated for the program.
• Eligibility: The nonprofit must provide training at multiple sites statewide.
• Use of Funds: The grant may cover program costs, teacher training, curriculum development, and support for participating schools.
• Matching Requirement: The recipient must secure at least 25% nonstate matching funds.
• Reporting: The nonprofit must submit annual reports from June 30, 2026, through June 30, 2029 to relevant legislative committees. The reports must include demographic and geographic data on participants and assess the program's effectiveness.
• Availability of Funds: This is a one-time appropriation and remains available until June 30, 2028.

This bill aims to enhance students' global competency skills to improve their future workforce competitiveness.