Vision: To work in partnership to ensure that all youth have access to the services they need to become self-sufficient adults.
Mission: To guide the coordination of services that fully develop the employment potential of youth in Southwest Minnesota.
The SW MN PIC is committed to helping youth ages 14-21 prepare for the workforce. Through work experiences, career exploration, post-secondary tuition assistance, and job seeking/retention assistance, our team works one-on-one to increase the skills of our region’s youth so they might become self-sufficient. With state, federal and private sector funding, the SW MN PIC offers youth the ability to earn wages, receive academic credit, and gain leadership skills that transcend into adulthood.
Available Services
- Paid work experience at no cost to employers
- Job Keeping and Seeking Assistance
- Career Exploration and Assistance
- Post-Secondary Education Assistance
Eligibility Guidelines
Any student in our residing in our fourteen county service area that is 14-21 years old who meets established guidelines may be considered for services. Applications are available for download on this page, from local school counselors, teachers, county family service agencies, and probation officers, or by contacting your local WorkForce Center.
Eligibility is determined by gross family income, UNLESS an applicant falls into one or more of the following categories:
- Recovering Chemically Dependent
- In Foster Care
- Emotionally or Physically Challenged
- Current IEP on File with School
- Eligible for/or receiving Food Stamps
- MFIP Recipient (family)
- Receiving Social Services and/or Group Home Services
- Attending Alternative School
- Currently on Probation
- Pregnant or Parenting Youth
- Limited English Speaking
- Runaway Youth
- Homeless Youth
Minnesota American Indian Center Workforce Investment Act (MAIC/WIA)
Workforce Investment Act (WIA) funds for Native Americans are sent directly to Native American communities and organizations.
- The Minneapolis American Indian Center handles employment and training programs for American Indians, Alaskan Native and Hawaiian Natives in 71 counties throughout the state of Minnesota (excluding Aitkin, Becker, Beltrami, Carlton, Cass, Clearwater, Cook, Hennepin, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Mahnomen, Mille Lacs, Pine, and St. Louis counties). Services include career counseling, case management, work experience, on-the-job training, limited assistance for both short-term training (one year or less) and long-term training (two years or less), assistance with GED test fees (and a GED Employment & Training Award of $150 to those who complete their GED and enroll in career training and/or secure permanent employment), as well as supportive services to those who secure permanent employment.
Interested participants does not need to be enrolled in a tribe, however they do need to provide proof of ancestry (which can be done through an enrolled parent or grandparent).
Interested participants should call 1-800-486-8797. A MAIC/WIA worker will ask questions to determine initial eligibility and can then mail or fax an application form to you. Once the completed application and required papers are processed, an appointment will be scheduled at a local workforce center, GED facility, library or college scheduled for the intake assessment.
swmnpic
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