The State of Minnesota aspires to be a leader in employing individuals with disabilities. For some individuals with disabilities, traditional interviewing, assessment, selection, and testing methods may not accurately measure their skills and abilities to perform the required job responsibilities. Connect 700 provides another path to a state job for people with certain disabilities.
Connect 700 allows eligible individuals with disabilities the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to perform a specific position for up to 700 hours on the job. It is:
Individuals who:
If you are eligible, then:
Email: C700Eligibility.MMB@state.mn.us
Or contact the hiring manager listed on the job posting. Current state employees can also speak with their Human Resources staff.
A Participant’s Perspective
"I am so grateful Minnesota offers a program for people with disabilities to get them back working with awesome employers. I was very happy with my experience with the program and excited about the opportunities it has opened up for me. In under 2 months of the trial work period, my supervisor converted my employment.
I never expected to be working with the State of Minnesota and I believe that if it weren’t for this program, I may not be where I am at today."
Employee at the Department of Public Safety
A Supervisor’s Perspective
“Our first experience with the Connect 700 program has been a positive one! We had a pool of around 60 candidates for the position we were hiring for, and a Connect 700 candidate was amongst them. We followed the State of Minnesota Connect 700 Program Guide and successfully navigated through the process of bringing the candidate in for a Connect 700 interview, and ultimately on board for the 700 hour on-the-job trial. After just seven (7) weeks on the job, we were confident in the employee’s ability to successfully perform the job and converted them to probationary status. We are pleased with the results of the program and hope others will have the same positive experience. This program truly has the capability to be mutually beneficial for both the employer and candidate if given the chance."
Human Resources Supervisor with Minnesota State
"The Connect 700 Program does an excellent job of leveling the playing field for those who are disadvantaged and who have struggled most of their lives to reach their full potential. The program allows these individuals to actually embrace their differences rather than hide them. It offers them the ability to develop and use their natural gifts. The safety nets embedded in the program cultivate a renewed sense of self confidence. Perhaps for the first time in their lives individuals are free to strive for higher career goals because they know they are supported by the program. They are no longer afraid to ask for help when needed. This makes all the difference and sets people up for success.
Hidden disabilities and learning differences are usually the ones that fall through the cracks and can negatively affect every aspect of a person’s life. However, when we have people who believe in us, we CAN reach our potential. Because these individuals are used to working so hard, they can make some of the best and most committed employees if given the opportunity. I really believe, with the right support, learning differences can be a gift because they teach the individual endurance, compassion, a unique way of solving problems and the resilience to overcome obstacles."
- A Proud Mother
