Sarah Longtin

This regional profile provides a comprehensive analysis of Southwest Minnesota's demographic, labor force, and economic landscape. It details population changes, age distributions, racial diversity, and educational attainment. The report further examines labor force trends, including projections, participation rates, unemployment, and job vacancy data. Additionally, it presents information on household incomes, cost of living, occupational wages, industry employment statistics, and agricultural data for the region.

This Unified Local Youth Plan outlines the strategic framework for implementing the WIOA Youth Formula Funds and Minnesota Youth Program in the South Central region. The plan's overarching vision is to empower, prepare, and employ youth, particularly those facing significant barriers such as language and cultural challenges, foster care involvement, homelessness, disabilities, and juvenile justice system contact, to achieve economic self-sufficiency, healthy relationships, and lifelong learning by age 25. Key strategic pillars include comprehensive outreach and recruitment, individualized service strategies, integrated experiential and work-based learning, financial literacy education, adult mentoring, and robust partnerships with educational institutions, employers, and community organizations to align training with high-demand occupations.

The Youth Council meeting included discussions on various topics such as the services available at the Lutheran Social Service (LSS) Youth Services Resource Center, which supports youth facing unstable housing situations. Updates were provided on the Perkins Annual Performance Report (APR) and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs, including the expansion of CTE exploration through Career Academies and strengthening industry-education partnerships. The Employment Transition Model, known as "MN WAY," was reviewed, focusing on transition planning for youth with disabilities. Updates were given on youth programs, including WIOA, Minnesota Youth, Youth at Work (YAW), Youth Intervention Program (YIP), TANF youth program, and Youth Support Services (YSS). MVAC reported on the number of youth served, academic credits received, and partnerships with organizations like Greater Mankato Growth (GMG). The Tour of Manufacturing event was highlighted, and Skills for Success sessions were discussed. Members shared updates on various programs and initiatives, including the Discover Mayo Clinic Healthcare Festival, MVAC's Community Service Director position, and the impact of the government shutdown on benefits.

The meeting included discussions on EO/ADA compliance checks at CareerForce locations, CareerForce operations focusing on safety improvements at the Mankato office, and a review of safety plans for New Ulm, Mankato, and Fairmont CareerForce locations. There was also discussion about tracking CareerForce services by encouraging visitors to check in at computer stations. Updates were shared on the launch of a disability resources page on CareerForceMN.gov and the operational status of VRS during the Federal Government shutdown. The Uniquely Abled Academy initiative was recognized, and information was shared about youth grants and a CareerForce Partners Training Day. MVAC staffing changes were also announced.

The Operations Committee meeting included updates on Minnesota Valley Action Council (MVAC) staffing, including the appointment of a new Community Services Director and the posting of a Family Resource Specialist position. Discussions covered Vocational Rehabilitation Services (VRS) programming, State Services for the Blind (SSB) youth programming, and CareerForce operations. Updates were provided on parking at CareerForce in Mankato, safety plans, the annual report, and the demand occupations list. The meeting also touched on the Equitable Transition Model (ETM) Grant, Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) / Infrastructure Funding Agreement (IFA), State Equal Opportunity (EO) Visit, and Governors Workforce Board Updates.