St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) announced today more than $3.3 million for adult employment and training programs across the state. The awarded programs serve adults who face multiple barriers to employment by providing services that increase skill literacy and access to high-growth and high-wage jobs.

"One of DEED's priorities is eliminating barriers to employment for all Minnesotans," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "I commend the awarded organizations' dedication to making jobs more accessible and equitable for all Minnesotans."

"We are proud to partner with dozens of trusted workforce development providers to fund job training that will lead to family-sustaining wages for more Minnesotans," said DEED Deputy Commissioner for Workforce Development Marc Majors. "Adult employment and training programs are investments in our workforce, our economy and our state as a whole."

Funding comes from two of DEED's Office of Adult Career Pathways programs:

• The Southeast Asian Economic Disparities Relief program funds projects that work to eliminate racial disparities and large economic gaps in the Southeast Asian community through workforce recruitment and development, job creation and outreach.
• The Women's Economic Security Act (WESA) funds programs that encourage and assist women of color to enter high-wage, high-demand, nontraditional occupations and STEM occupations.

Southeast Asian Economic Disparities Relief grant recipients:

Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul - $275,000

Communities Advancing Prosperity for Immigrants USA (CAPI), Minneapolis - $350,000

Equitable Development Action (EDACT), Minneapolis - $175,000

Hmong American Partnership (HAP), St. Paul - $350,000

Karen Organization of Minnesota (KOM), Roseville - $350,000

Workforce Development Inc. (WDI), Rochester - $400,000

Women's Economic Security Act grant recipients:

Boreal Development, Duluth - $135,000

Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services Inc (CMJTS), Monticello - $140,000

City of Duluth Workforce Development, Duluth - $125,000

Minnesota Training Partnership, St. Paul - $200,000

National Able Network, Golden Valley - $140,000

Smart North, Minneapolis - $150,000

Tree Trust, St. Paul - $200,000

Washington County, Woodbury - $200,000

Wellspring Second Chance Center, Brooklyn Center - $135,000