SF5196

Purpose

The bill would use one-time funding to support youth job skills training through a Minnesota Trades Academy. The goal is to help young people prepare for careers in the construction industry, provide driver training, and reduce the risk of involvement in gangs or gun violence.

Main Provisions

• Funding source: workforce development fund.
• Amount and timing: $250,000 in fiscal year 2027.
• Recipient: Saint Paul Police Department.
• Use of funds: provide a grant to operate a Minnesota Trades Academy for youth.
• Program goals: position youth for construction industry careers, deliver driver training, and prioritize efforts to divert youth from gang or gun violence.
• Nature of appropriation: one-time (not a ongoing annual funding).

How the program would work

• The commissioner of Employment and Economic Development would administer the grant to the Saint Paul Police Department for the Minnesota Trades Academy.
• The academy is designed to help youth gain construction-related skills and related supports, including driver training, with an emphasis on preventing involvement in gangs and gun violence.

Relationship to existing law

• This bill creates a one-time appropriation and does not introduce ongoing funding or broad changes to statutes beyond the designated grant.

Expected impacts

• Increased youth access to construction industry job skills and driver training.
• Potential reduction in youth involvement in gang activity and gun violence through targeted training and support.
• Enhanced public safety and workforce development efforts via a partnership with the Saint Paul Police Department.

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Relevant Terms

workforce development fund Minnesota Trades Academy Saint Paul Police Department youth job skills training construction industry driver training gang violence gun violence one-time appropriation fiscal year 2027 grant commissioner of employment and economic development public safety youth services