Growing Careers With AgPaths

What Can the Grant be Used for? 

The grant is designed to help Minnesota residents secure employment in the agriculture sector. It can be used for a variety of activities, including: 

• Career exploration
• Occupational training
• Work-based learning
• Wraparound supports
• Assistance in earning credentials and securing employment

The end goal is further education or full-time employment in the agriculture or animal industries, supporting sustaining employment at or above $20/hr.

What Industry Sectors Apply?

The grant supports career paths across various agricultural and animal industry sectors. The areas that qualify for funding include: 

• Crop Production Farmers, ranchers, agricultural equipment operators, CDL drivers, heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers, etc.
• Animal Production First-line supervisors of farming, fishing, and forestry workers, animal breeders, etc. 
• Agriculture Support Services Farm equipment operators, food scientists, veterinarians, and service technicians, etc. 

These occupations are examples and do not represent all the possibilities.

Who Can Apply for Grant Funding?

The Growing Careers initiative focuses on individuals who are underrepresented in agriculture or face challenges entering the workforce. It prepares them for quality jobs that offer family-sustaining wages and career growth opportunities.

Eligible participants for this program must meet all of the following criteria:

• Minnesota residents
• Authorized to work in the United States
• Not enrolled in any K-12 school
• Dislocated worker*

*This is outlined in Minnesota Statute 116L.17 and includes people who are unemployed, have limited opportunities for employment, or are self-employed with limited work due to economic conditions. Additional limited categories exist. Consult RMCEP for details and qualifications.