Perham Public Schools was recently awarded a $100,000 Youth Skills and Training grant, which was announced by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry. They are one of 17

schools in the state to be selected for this grant.

The purpose of the grant is to receive funding to develop and expand programs to offer meaningful career exposure and paid work experience for students 16 years of age and older, according to a release from the MN Department of Labor.

Perham’s Work Based Learning Director Darren Glynn said he is overly excited about what this could mean for Perham High School and its students.

Glynn said the money will be used to train staff, develop CTE curriculum, offer new industry certifications, and provide a work-based learning experience by empowering students with practical skills which are relevant to their career goals.

“These Youth Skills Training partnership grants will help high school students throughout Minnesota find pathways to high-growth, high-demand occupations and allow them to participate in safe, meaningful work experiences in their community,” said Nicole Blissenbach, DLI Commissioner in a release. “Thank you to everyone who has supported the program.”

The 17 different schools selected will split $1.5 million in funding to be used for programs operating from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2026. The partnerships will offer safe, meaningful work experience in advanced manufacturing, agriculture, automotive, health care and information technology.

Glynn said the grant will give students additional opportunities that they currently do not have available.

“This will grow our current certifications in welding, CNA and CDL and expand to power sports, marine certifications, mechatronics, drone technology and culinary curriculum,” Glynn said. “The goal would be to expose all seniors to a minimum of one industry experience before graduation.”

The grants can be used to create programs, recruit students and employers, provide training, transport students, and pay for industry-related student certifications.

Perham High School will be hosting a CTE Career Expo on Monday, May 1 with many different businesses and colleges attending the event from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. on the grounds of Perham High School. 

For more information on the CTE Career Expo or if a business would like to register to be a part of the event, contact jgroth@perham.k12.mn.us