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LYFT Career Pathways
Serving Southwest and West Central Minnesota

Funding Guidelines

A total of $115,000 will be awarded during this application cycle that is open now. We anticipate the awarding of up to 5-7 LYFT Career Pathways Impact grants. The maximum amount of funding that can be requested is $25,000. We reserve the right to offer grant amounts that differ from the applicant’s request, or the maximum identified above.

Selected grant recipients will receive funds via reimbursement of approved, incurred expenses. Grant applications are reviewed by a regional review committee with representation from community, economic and higher-education sectors.

Eligible Project Areas

MSC CTE Project Funds MUST accomplish at least one of the following in accordance with the authorizing legislation for this funding:

Industry-Level Equipment

Projects may fund tools, machines, or technology that students would use in real workplaces.
 
Industry‑level equipment should: Supports Minn. §124D.4536.2.A.6
  • Be workplace‑aligned: Comparable to what local employers use
  • Support real skill development: Enables hands‑on, authentic tasks
  • Align to industry standards: Tied to current competencies or credentials
  • Be durable: Suitable for repeated student use in labs/shops
  • Be instructionally integrated: Used within a course or program with clear learning outcomes

Transportation Reimbursement

Helps schools cover costs so students can access CTE experiences they otherwise could not.  

Funding cannot support: Supports Minn. §124D.4536.2.B.3

  • Vehicle purchases or leases
  • Routine transportation not tied to an access barrier
  • General vehicle operations (insurance, maintenance, registration)
Applicants should explain:
  • What CTE experience students are accessing
  • What access barrier transportation solves
  • Who benefits and how many students
  • Trip details (when, where, frequency, coordination plan

Teacher Professional Development

Consortium‑identified focus areas:

  • Business Partnerships
  • Work-based Learning
  • High-Demand Industries
Eligible costs include: Supports Minn. §124D.4536.2.B.2
  • Required travel for approved training or certification
  • Registration and training fees
  • Participation requirements associated with approved training, certification, or industry‑based learning experiences
  • Required materials
  • Trainer or facilitator costs

Submitted Applications Review Guidance

Submitted applications will be evaluated based on:
  1. Project Focus and Outcomes:
    • Clear description of what you will do and what you want to achieve
    • Specific outcomes for students (and partners, if applicable) and how you will measure success.
    • Clear connection to at least one required funding purpose (equipment, transportation, or teacher professional development)
  2. Collaborative Partnerships and Regional Careers
    • Clear description of what you will do and what you want to achieve. 
    • Specific outcomes for students (and partners, if applicable) and how you will measure success.
    • Clear connection to at least one required funding purpose (equipment, transportation, or teacher professional development)
  3. Budget and Sustainability
    • Clear, detailed budget showing how funds will be used and why costs are necessary.
    • Plan for how the project will continue after grant funds are spent.
    • Reimbursement only for approved, eligible expenses that have been incurred and paid.
    • Funds may not be used for building/construction or site acquisition, building additions/expansions, ongoing/base employee salaries, gifts/novelty items (unless specifically approved), or vendor exhibit fees intended for vendor profit.

Reimbursement and Documentation

Reimbursements require proof of purchase and proof of payment, plus documentation that the cost aligns to the approved application and budget. Applicants must follow their local procurement requirements and maintain itemized records. Equipment purchases will be subject to inventory/asset documentation upon request. Pre-approval is required for any budget changes after award notification.