The Grow Your Own (GYO) Competitive Grant Program offered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) aims to diversify and expand the teacher workforce across the state of Minnesota. This initiative provides funding to eligible districts, charter schools, intermediate districts, and cooperatives for programs supporting adults and secondary students aspiring to become educators. The program focuses on addressing teacher shortages while promoting equity and representation in the teaching profession.

The grant includes two pathways, each with a designated maximum funding amount: up to $750,000 for the Pathway for Adults and up to $500,000 for the Pathway for Secondary Students. A total of $30,000,000 is available for the fiscal year. Applicants can apply for one or both pathways but must complete separate applications for each in the Minnesota Education Grants System (MEGS).

The timeline for the grant opportunity is as follows: the grant was posted on December 4, 2024, with a six-week posting period. The Questions and Answer period ends on January 3, 2025, and responses will be posted on January 8, 2025. Completed applications must be submitted through MEGS by 3:00 PM Central Time on January 15, 2025. MDE anticipates announcing grantees on March 15, 2025.

Applications must be completed and submitted online via MEGS, which is the only accepted submission method. No fax, email, or mail submissions will be considered. Applicants are encouraged to review the "Applying for Competitive Grants in MEGS" documentation for detailed submission instructions. Each pathway has a distinct application process, and applicants should ensure they follow the requirements for the specific pathway they pursue.

For technical assistance with MEGS, applicants may contact MEGS.MDE@state.mn.us. This funding opportunity represents a significant investment in developing a diverse and skilled educator workforce to serve Minnesota's educational system.