Governor office updates May 16 part 2
DPS-OJP Community Grant Advisory Board
The Minnesota Department of Safety Office of Justice Programs (DPS-OJP) is currently seeking volunteers to participate in the State and American Rescue Plan Act Innovation in Community Safety grant processes by serving on a Community Grant Advisory Board for one of the following four counties: Hennepin, Ramsey, St. Louis, and Beltrami. There will be one Community Grant Advisory Board per county.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about this opportunity, please click on this application survey link for more details. Fill out and submit the survey if you would like to apply to be on one of the Community Grant Advisory Boards. Please contact Rachel Peterson if you have any questions.
MPCA Volunteer Program Seeking Water Monitors
Spring is here and the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency’s (MPCA’s) Volunteer Water Monitoring Program is gearing up for another great season of lake and stream water clarity monitoring across the state. With more than 92,000 miles of streams and over 12,000 lakes in Minnesota, more volunteer monitors are needed to help track the health of our waters. All equipment and training is provided by the MPCA free of charge. If you are interested in learning more about the program or signing up to volunteer at your favorite lake or stream, visit the MPCA website. Please email any questions to the program coordinators at watervolunteers.mpca@state.mn.us.
Fostering Independence Grants
The cost of higher education is a barrier for many people in Minnesota. The Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants is a financial aid program that seeks to eliminate that barrier for students in Minnesota who were in the foster care system.
If you are a Minnesota resident under age 27 and were in the Minnesota foster care system at any point after you thirteenth birthday, this grant may cover the cost of attendance at any eligible Minnesota public or participating private college and university. Accessing the grant is as simple as filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application. Learn more about the Fostering Independence Grant on the Office of Higher Education website.
Apply for an Appointment to a State Board or Commission
State licensing boards are an important part of ensuring a just, safe, and thriving working environment across multiple professions. Boards and commissions make impactful decisions on the licensure, regulation, and required education for workers, which can affect the working conditions of people in Minnesota and their access to these professions.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking applicants who are dedicated to working toward a more equitable workforce. Please consider applying and sharing these opportunities with your family, friends, and networks. Examples of current vacancies include the Board of Pharmacy, the Board of Psychology, and the Culturally Informed and Culturally Responsive Mental Health Task Force.
Finally, support your local farmers and growers by shopping at farmers markets. Use the Minnesota Grown Directory to find farmers markets near you. Additionally, you can learn more about what fresh produce is in season on the Minnesota Grown website.