The Next Generation Public Health Pathways Grant, administered by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH), supports innovative initiatives that connect Minnesotans to careers in governmental public health. With a total allocation of $276,457, this competitive grant program funds individual projects between $20,000 and $75,000. Its goal is to build a stronger, more diverse, and sustainable public health workforce pipeline through creative and experiential programming.

The grant targets a wide range of populations, including middle and high school students, post-secondary students, and working adults. Special consideration will be given to programs that prioritize experiential learning, go beyond traditional internships, engage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds, develop strategic public health skills, and establish sustainable partnerships.

Eligible applicants include:

Tribal nations

Community-based organizations

Nonprofit organizations

Schools and academic institutions

Community health boards

The application period opens on March 21, 2025, and all proposals must be submitted by May 12, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Required documents include a project narrative, work plan, budget form, budget justification, due diligence form (for non-governmental organizations), and a conflict of interest form. Applications must be submitted via email to health.ophp@state.mn.us.

An informational webinar will be held on April 9, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. Central Time, and the recording will be available afterward. Questions regarding the grant must be submitted by April 22, 2025, and responses will be posted publicly by April 29, 2025.

Award notifications will be issued by the week of June 23, 2025, and grant activities may begin in August 2025, pending execution of the grant agreement. The funding period ends on March 31, 2027. No work should begin before receiving a fully executed agreement from MDH.

For questions or technical assistance, applicants can contact the Center for Public Health Practice at 651-201-3880 or email health.ophp@state.mn.us.