Who is eligible to apply for LYFT Pathway funds?

• To be eligible for funding, schools must be a member of SWWC.  All rural Service Cooperatives have Rural CTE Consortium funding, so if you are not an SWWC member please check with your region’s Service Cooperative. Priority will be given to member schools of SWWC, following the Mid-Minnesota & Minnesota West Perkins Consortium, next Region 6 & 8.

My school district would like to expand its CTE offerings. Do we need to partner with another high school to be funded?

• LYFT Pathway funds require the collaboration of at least one school and one or more businesses or industry partner (partnerships may be facilitated through workforce development, economic development, college, and/or other organizations).
  

What does “collaboration of at least one school and one or more businesses or industry-related partner” mean exactly?

• We define collaboration as intentional and facilitated discussions between education and industry focused on cooperative efforts between the two, collecting input on innovative practices that further and sustain students career awareness and advance student learning with a focus on reducing barriers to students’ affordable access to quality, and student-centered educational experiences.  

Is the applying partnership required to provide matching funds for the project?

• Match is required, but there is no set amount or percentage. Matching funds demonstrate the partners' support and are an indication that there is greater potential for sustaining the project. If you need help identifying matching funds, please contact program staff.    

Can you submit more than one LYFT Pathways Innovation Grant application?

• Yes, if it is to fund a new course, program, or experience. Or to expand course, program, or experience offerings to include additional partnering schools.

Can LYFT funds be used for planning or just implementation?

• Planning can be part of an application for funds, but the outcome needs to be that high school students will be served as a result of the project being implemented.

Does funding have to be used for CTE courses and programs or could it be used for other collaborative classes between high schools?

• Funding can only be used to develop or expand CTE courses or programs.

How much funding can a partnership apply for?

• The maximum amount of funding that can be requested is $15,000.
• This grant opportunity estimates that $130,000 is available to fund eight to ten proposals.
• We reserve the right to offer grant amounts that differ from the applicant’s request, or the maximum identified above.

Can LYFT funds be used for student transportation?

• Funds can be used to transport students for face-to-face classes with other schools, but reimbursement is limited to 50% of the costs. LYFT Pathways will not reimburse students directly for transportation. Reimbursement can only be made to schools or their transportation provider.

What are considered CTE courses and Programs?

•  Career Technical Education (CTE) courses and programs are opportunities that provide learning experiences to develop technical skills in career fields such as agriculture, architecture, culinary arts, manufacturing, engineering, electrical and plumbing, health care, robotics, construction, veterinary medicine, education, accounting, etc.

It is mentioned in the LYFT materials and application that funds can be used to “provide new opportunities for businesses and schools to collaborate on hands-on CTE exploration, exposure, and experiences. . .”.  What would be examples of hands-on CTE opportunities?

• The goal of LYFT funds is for every student in the region in grades 7-12 to gain marketable skills leading to further education and careers that match our region’s labor market needs. While most of the new partnerships will likely result in the development of a new CTE course (for at least one school), funds might also be used to develop other new collaborative CTE opportunities that are not in the form of a course.  For example, job shadowing, career guidance, apprenticeships, and industry tours.  Whatever the shared opportunity that is developed, it would be important that there is an ongoing partnership between the partners to sustain it after the initial funding.

Do the CTE courses or programs that are developed need to provide students with college credit?

• Offering classes for college credit is not a requirement, but it is encouraged.

Are there staff available that can help partnerships develop their plan?

• The LYFT staff listed on the application can answer questions and provide technical assistance to partnerships to help them make decisions, but it is up to the partnership to complete the application form. 

How will we know if our application has been approved?

• LYFT staff will contact the lead project contact person and project partners, as listed on the application, to let them know if their plan has been approved or if more details are needed.  

How do schools/organizations process payments for LYFT Pathways expenditures?

• School Finance Codes: The grant does not specify that certain codes must be used, so that will be up to the fiscal host of the local LYFT partnership. The SWWC (as fiscal host) uses Finance Code - 000 and Program Code - 399. 
• There are two ways for schools/organizations to request their awarded LYFT Pathways funds.
  
  
  1. Schools/organizations can submit ORIGINAL invoices to LYFT@swwc.org or Attention Eriann Faris - SWWC, 1420 East College Drive, Marshall, MN 56258, and we will pay the vendor directly. Schools/organizations should place orders using their purchase order process. Be sure to indicate the school’s tax-exempt status when ordering.
      
  2. To be reimbursed for any LYFT Pathway bills already paid:

• • • Invoice the SWWC at LYFT@swwc.org or Attention Eriann Faris - SWWC, 1420 East College Drive, Marshall, MN 56258.
    • Include a copy of the original invoice that was paid.
    • Provide proof that the invoice has been paid (i.e., payment register showing the check number, vendor name, and dollar amount, OR a copy of the cancelled check. School districts can send a copy of the posted activity audit report).
    • Upon receiving the appropriate documentation, a check will be mailed to the school/organization making the request.