RMCEP News
Northwest Region Blog
The presence of such industry powerhouses as Polaris, Arctic Cat and New Flyer make Northwest Minnesota a hub of transportation equipment manufacturing.
From wheat and potatoes to soybeans and sugar beets, the region is a major producer and processor of food staples and specialty agricultural products. Click here to view the blog.
News Articles
After 26 years of dedicated service at the Brainerd Dispatch, Kathryn faced an unexpected layoff that left her uncertain about the future. As a single mother of three, the path forward seemed daunting—especially with her dream of driving a snowplow for the county or state requiring a Commercial Driver’s License...
Governor Tim Walz and the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced the recipients of $8.8 million in grants to grow Minnesota's workforce through the Drive for 5 Workforce initiative. Drive for 5 is the state's program for preparing Minnesotans for high-demand jobs in five occupational categories: the...
Pathways to Prosperity Exceeds Expectations in 2025, and is Enrolling Participants for 2026
Feb 5 2026In 2025, the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) set a goal to enroll 40 participants in its Pathways to Prosperity (P2P) grant. It exceeded expectations with 48 participants, of whom 36 completed credentialed or pre-employment training.By the end of the year, 31 participants entered employment after leaving the program,...
Success Story: Ryan N.
Jan 30 2026After becoming unemployed at nearly 50 years old, I found myself facing a future filled with uncertainty. Although I had earned a bachelor's degree earlier in life, the idea of returning to an educational environment after so many years felt daunting. I truly believed that starting over simply wasn't an...
Success Story: Alivia O.
Jan 30 2026I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the grants and assistance I have received through your program to pursue my Registered Nurse (RN) education. Your support has been instrumental in helping me focus on my studies and reduce the financial burden that often comes with higher education.This program...
For Immediate ReleaseJanuary 13, 2026St. Paul, MN – The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today announced more than $17.3 million for workforce grants that are expected to serve more than 3,500 Minnesotans.The 59 organizations receiving Pathways to Prosperity program grant awards support economically disadvantaged adults, providing workforce...
Rural Minnesota Concentration Employment Program (CEP) is proud to launch AgPaths, an initiative that will create agriculture-sector career pathways across the region. AgPaths is made possible through a $500,000 Growing Careers Grant, which is supported by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).The AgPaths program enables RMCEP to...
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today awarded $2.4 million to seven local partners to develop and implement agriculture-focused workforce training programs for the Growing Careers initiative."Minnesota farms are facing new challenges because of policies coming out of the federal government," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "DEED's...
he Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) has awarded more than $4.8 million to 39 organizations to provide more than 4,000 young people with workforce development and training opportunities.DEED's Youth at Work Opportunity Grants Program serves youth of color and youth with disabilities who are economically disadvantaged or...
Success Story: Marmaduke Mounts
Oct 29 2025When Marmaduke Mounts first connected with Rural MN CEP, he was underemployed but determined to create a better future for his family. With prior experience driving tow and box trucks, Marmaduke knew he had the skills — and the passion — to pursue something more. “I like driving!” he shared...
Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (RMCEP) helps people receiving social security disability benefits learn about their options if they are interested in returning to work. The Ticket to Work program is completely free and voluntary. Anyone who wants to enter the workforce can meet with the team at RMCEP to...
The Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program (CEP) has eight locations across Northwest Minnesota. This allows local career advisors to immerse themselves in the community and really get to know the students and young adults who live there.Supporting job seekers in the region is a team effort, but you might encounter...