Drive for Five: There’s Still Time for Applicants to Receive Grants for Job Training and Education

In Spring 2024, the Rural Minnesota Concentrated Employment Program, Inc. (RMCEP) was awarded $750,000 through Governor Tim Walz’s Drive for Five initiative. The money from this program is distributed to partners and individuals to invest in job training or education programs within the five in-demand fields: technology, trades, manufacturing, education, and the caring professions.

“One of the most exciting things is that this is a brand new grant for us,” says Stacy Belen, Drive for Five Lead Navigator at RMCEP. “Half of the enrollments are already done, but we are looking for more students to start in the spring semester.”

There’s still time to take advantage of this grant and there are ample funds to pull from. Learn more about the Drive for Five application process and who is a good fit for this program. 

RMCEP Enrolled 15 Students With the Drive for Five Grant

In the months since RMCEP received the Drive for Five funding, it has worked with 15 students to invest in training and enter new career fields. Students are seeking Commercial Driver's License (CDL) certification, LPN/RN (Licensed Practical Nurse and Registered Nurses), Radiology Technicians, Welding, Heavy Equipment Operators, Electrical Installers/Repairs, Software Developers, Computer Networking, Information Security Analysts, etc.

Not only does the Drive for Five grant make education and job training more affordable, but it also helps participants get well-paying jobs once they are ready to enter the workforce. The goal is for participants to receive jobs paying at least $16 per hour, with incentives for receiving jobs that pay $25 per hour. Drive for Five also has additional pay incentives for recipients who complete their enrolled programs, participate in workforce training programs, and secure employment.

It’s not too late to enroll in a training program this spring. You can start the new year by taking steps toward a new career. 

The Drive for Five Grant Supports Different Groups of People

The Drive for Five grant is designed to support people who would otherwise have a hard time affording or participating in education programs. It also helps people who need to change careers or complete specific training or certifications to receive steady employment. You may qualify for Drive for Five grant funding if you are:

• A person of color
• Homeless or unhoused
• Previously involved with the justice system
• Have no high school diploma
• Have a disability
• Are currently unemployed
• Have limited English proficiency
• Live in poverty

RMCEP may accommodate people who don’t fall under the above guidelines but are otherwise unable to support themselves in their training and education goals.    

Belen encourages people to contact RMCEP if they are interested in the Drive for Five program. Even if you do not qualify, there are other grant and scholarship opportunities that might be an even better fit for you. 

Meet Robert Wenner, A Successful Drive for Five Participant

The team at RMCEP works closely with the applicants and recipients of the Drive for Five funding. One exciting story comes from Robert Wenner, who faced unemployment after 19 years of dedicated work. Wenner decided it was time to pursue something he had thought about for years: obtaining his CDL license.

“I had never gone to Rural Minnesota CEP before, but from the moment I walked in the door, the staff were very nice, helpful, and easy to work with,” says Wenner. “They mentioned it might be possible for them to help me obtain that goal with funding through what is called the Drive for Five Program. It wasn’t long and I was starting a new adventure.”  

The staff at RMCEP worked quickly to help him fill out some simple paperwork while completing permit testing and career planning. Before long, he was accepted for the grant and enrolled in CDL training at 160 Driving Academy—all at no cost.

“With hard work and determination, I successfully completed the training and passed the behind-the-wheel test to earn my Class A license,” says Wenner. “I could never have done this without the help and encouragement of the staff at RMCEP…Now that I have my CDL license, I am confident I will be able to secure employment in the high-demand industry of commercial driving.”

Wenner is one of several participants benefiting from this grant money. Even if you are unsure whether you qualify, it’s worth meeting with the RMCEP team to discuss your options. 

Drive for Five is Even More Successful With RMCEP’s Partners

Workforce development is a community effort. While RMCEP is working to administer the grant and help participants find training opportunities, other organizations are stepping up to offer support.

RMCEP is collaborating with the Fargo Moorhead West Fargo Chamber of Commerce, which aligns with its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. Along with connecting participants with potential employers, it is launching Ignite, a job search resource that provides listings, networking opportunities, and additional educational resources. 

Enroll in Drive for Five This Spring

It’s not too late to meet with RMCEP to discuss your options or refer an employee or friend to the Drive for Five grant. RMCEP assists applicants through each step, if you have never applied for an education or training grant before, know that our team is here to help you. There’s a whole team ready to cheer you on.

Take the first step to train or retrain for your future career. Find your nearest RMCEP location or contact us today. We can’t wait to hear from you.