Minnesota Trades Academy for young adult support services appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Foung Hawj

Funds a one-time $250,000 for a Minnesota Trades Academy in Saint Paul Police Department to train youth for construction careers, with driver’s training and violence prevention.

Referred to Jobs and Economic Development

#appropriations #employmentandeconomicdevelopmentdepartment

Bill Purpose

Authorizes a targeted appropriation to create and fund a Minnesota Trades Academy via the Saint Paul Police Department.

Aims to support youth job skills development and pathways into the construction industry while providing driver’s training and reducing involvement in gang or gun violence among youths.

Designated as a one-time appropriation.

Key Provisions

Allocation and Source of Funds

Provides a one-time appropriation of $250,000 in Fiscal Year 2027.
Funds come from the Workforce Development Fund.
The money is designated for the Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development to grant to the Saint Paul Police Department.

Program Purpose and Activities

Establishes a Minnesota Trades Academy under the Saint Paul Police Department.
The academy must:
Specifically focus on positioning youth for careers in the construction industry.
Include driver’s training as part of the program.
Prioritize youth to divert them from risk of involvement in gang or gun violence.
Emphasizes workforce development and youth pipeline into construction trades.

Onetime Nature

Explicitly described as a one-time appropriation; ongoing funding or authorization beyond FY 2027 is not created by this bill.

Affected Parties

Primary Entity Benefiting/Implementing

Saint Paul Police Department (for administration and operation of the Minnesota Trades Academy).

State Agencies/Programs

Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) – administers the grant from the Workforce Development Fund.

Target Population

Youth and young adults in Saint Paul, with a focus on those at risk of gang or gun violence and those pursuing careers in construction.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and Referral

Introduced and referred to the Senate Jobs and Economic Development committee.

Effective Timing

The appropriation is for FY 2027; the bill notes a one-time amount, suggesting limited duration unless additional funding is enacted in the future.

Status

As of the date provided, the bill has had its first reading and referral to committee.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

Workforce Development Impact

Potentially expands pathways into construction trades for at-risk youth, aligning with broader workforce development goals.

Safety and Community Outcomes

By pairing youth skill-building with driver’s training and violence-prevention aims, the program could contribute to lower juvenile risk factors in Saint Paul.

Fiscal Considerations

The single-year, $250,000 investment represents a targeted pilot or starter program; future funding would require separate legislation.

Implementation Flexibility

The bill does not prescribe exhaustive program specifics beyond core elements, leaving DEED and the Saint Paul Police Department room to design the academy within the stated objectives.

If you’d like, I can compare this bill to similar prior proposals or provide a plain-language brief for non-legislative audiences.

Bill