Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. Receives Pathways to Prosperity Grant from the State of Minnesota

CMJTS Will Use Funds to Address Two Critical Workforce Shortages

MONTICELLO, MN — September 27, 2019 — Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. (CMJTS), the nonprofit employment and training partner of the local CareerForce System, has received a competitive grant from Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development. This two year, $173,000 Pathways to Prosperity grant will give CMJTS the ability to partner with Adult Basic Education providers and local colleges to give 38 low-income individuals the training necessary to enter careers as either certified nursing assistants or commercial drivers. “Both of these occupations have a high-demand for skilled workers throughout Central Minnesota”, said CMJTS Program Manager, Dina Wuornos. “Employers are having a difficult time finding the people they need for these essential positions. We hope that the Pathways to Prosperity Program will benefit employers by giving more people the chance to train and qualify for these jobs”. The Pathways to Prosperity Program will serve adults who are living at or below 200% of the federal poverty guideline. No less than one-third will be People of Color and no less than one-fourth of the cohort will be made up of people who have one or more disabilities. Outreach will occur throughout the agency’s 11-county service area, with particular emphasis given to the Willmar and Southeast St. Cloud areas, where People of Color can be found in greater number. Some participants will be enrolled into additional employment and training programs, to help further them along their career pathway. For instance, those who achieve nursing assistant certification may decide to pursue careers as registered or licensed practical nurses. “We want the Pathways to Prosperity Program to serve as an onramp to a satisfying and family-sustaining career”, said Wuornos. To learn more about CMJTS’ Pathways to Prosperity Program, those interested can contact the agency at (800) 284-7425. Employers interested in connecting with prospective Pathways to Prosperity graduates are also encouraged to connect.