State grants to fund 3 workforce development programs in Northern MN

BRAINERD — Central Lakes College is among seven schools selected for workforce development grants from the state Department of Employment and Economic Development.

Using the $50,000 grant, the college will partner with Eagan-based Summit 360, a technology equipment supplier and recycler.

Summit 360 and CLC will develop a 64-hour, six-course training that covers workplace communication, leadership skills, business literacy, AI and productivity tools and more.

Anoka-Ramsey Community College was awarded a $400,000 grant to work with Lexington Manufacturing, which has a Brainerd location.

It will develop a two-year training program focused on integrating AI-based systems.

Northland Community and Technical College in Alexandria will use a $100,000 grant to work with Consolidated Equipment Group on a training to be delivered at the group’s Fosston manufacturing facility.

DEED's workforce development grants from the Minnesota Jobs Skills Partnership support schools that partner with Minnesota businesses to develop and deliver customized workforce training programs.

"The Minnesota Job Skills Partnership acts as a catalyst between business and education in developing cooperative training projects that benefit Minnesota workers," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek in a news release. "Providing opportunities for employees to gain necessary skills ensures future organizational success and helps high-quality jobs stay in Minnesota."