1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to workforce development; providing for the construction career pathway 
1.3 	initiative; appropriating money.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. CONSTRUCTION CAREER PATHWAYS; APPROPRIATION.
 1.6 	(a) $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2017 is appropriated from the general fund to the 
1.7 	commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to the Construction 
1.8 	Careers Foundation for the construction career pathway initiative to provide year-round 
1.9 	educational and experiential learning opportunities for teens and young adults under the 
1.10 	age of 21 that lead to careers in the construction industry. This is a onetime appropriation 
1.11 	and is available until June 30, 2019.
1.12 	(b) Grant funds must be used to:
1.13 	(1) increase construction industry exposure activities for middle school and high 
1.14 	school youth, parents, and counselors to reach a more diverse demographic and broader 
1.15 	statewide audience. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, an expansion of 
1.16 	programs to provide experience in different crafts to youth and young adults throughout 
1.17 	the state;
1.18 	(2) increase the number of high schools in Minnesota offering construction classes 
1.19 	during the academic year that utilize a multicraft curriculum;
1.20 	(3) increase the number of summer internship opportunities;
1.21 	(4) enhance activities to support graduating seniors in their efforts to obtain 
1.22 	employment in the construction industry;
1.23 	(5) increase the number of young adults employed in the construction industry and 
1.24 	ensure that they reflect Minnesota's diverse workforce; and
2.1 	(6) enhance an industrywide marketing campaign targeted to youth and young adults 
2.2 	about the depth and breadth of careers within the construction industry.
2.3 	(c) Programs and services supported by grant funds must give priority to individuals 
2.4 	and groups that are economically disadvantaged or historically underrepresented in the 
2.5 	construction industry, including but not limited to women, veterans, and members of 
2.6 	minority and immigrant groups.