6.1. EDSR 03-19-2018
Request for Action
To Item Number
Economic Development Authority 6.1
Agenda Section Meeting Date Prepared by
General Business March 19, 2018 Amanda Othoudt, EDD
Item Description Reviewed by
Youth Skills Training Program Cal Portner, City Administrator
Action Requested
Approve, by motion, letter of support for the Elk River School District grant application to the
Department of Labor and Industry’s Youth Skills Training Program.
Background/Discussion
At the February 20, 2018, meeting, staff presented information on the newly created Youth Skills
Training (YST) Program headed by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. The YST program
allows companies to introduce teenagers ages 16-17 into high-growth, high-demand occupations such as
healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture, and IT.
With the new legislation, coupled with the MN Child Labor program exemption, “student-learners" are
allowed to obtain both academic credit and employment training under a written school-work training
program agreement between the school and the employer.
The state legislature appropriated $500,000 to the YST program in the form of grant funding for up to
five pilot programs in Minnesota, with each of those communities receiving $100,000.
The Elk River School District is anticipating applying for the competitive grant. The EDA requested that
staff draft a letter of support to the school district showing support for the program.
Financial Impact
N/A
Attachments
Letter of Support for YST Program Grant Application
The Elk River Vision
A welcoming community with revolutionary and spirited resourcefulness, exceptional
service, and community engagement that encourages and inspires prosperity
March 19, 2018
Dr. Daniel Bittman
Superintendent of Schools
Independent School District 728
11500 193rd Avenue NW
Elk River, MN 55330
Dear Dr. Bittman:
Please accept this letter of support for your grant application to the Department of Labor and Industry for
the Youth Skills Training (YST) program.
The City of Elk River Economic Development Authority recognizes the availability of a skilled workforce is
a critical component to economic vitality. Increasing opportunities for young people will enable private
sector businesses to respond to the increasing demands for skilled labor.
Investing in our young people is an investment in Elk River and our surrounding communities. Expanding
skills training programs in Minnesota high schools and increasing the number of students entering the
workforce will prepare students for successful careers in high-growth, high-demand industries.
The jobs created as a result of this investment positively impacts our local economy, our environment, and
our quality of life. These are all good reasons to support the efforts of ISD #728 to proceed with applying
for the Youth Skills Training program.
Without hesitation, the City of Elk River Economic Development Authority strongly supports the YST
program and will collaborate with ISD #728, the Elk River Chamber of Commerce, and our local businesses
to establish a successful program.
Respectfully,
Dan Tviete, President
Economic Development Authority
13065 Orono Parkway
Elk River, MN 55330 Phone:
763.635.1000
www.ElkRiverMN.gov