Bill HF5076

1.1          A bill for an act
1.2          relating to workforce development; creating the youth climate action fellowship
1.3          program; requiring a report; appropriating money for the program.
1.4          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5          Section 1. YOUTH CLIMATE ACTION FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM.
 1.6                        Subdivision 1.Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section the following terms have
1.7          the meanings given.
1.8          (b) "Youth climate action fellow" or "fellow" means a high school student participating
1.9          in the program.
1.10       (c) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of commerce.
1.11       (d) "Community organization" means a nonprofit organization serving underrepresented
1.12       communities disproportionately impacted by climate change.
1.13       (e) "Renewable energy company" means a business involved in the development,
1.14       production, or installation of renewable energy technologies.
1.15                       Subd. 2.Program creation; purpose. The commissioner of commerce shall establish
1.16       and administer the youth climate action fellowship program in partnership with a community
1.17       organization that serves underrepresented communities disproportionately impacted by
1.18       climate change. The purpose of the program is to empower youth to become informed
1.19       advocates and leaders in addressing climate change through education, outreach, and career
1.20       exploration in renewable energy.
1.21                       Subd. 3.Program components. (a) The program must provide the following components:
2.1          (1) a recruitment and training component that:
2.2          (i) requires the commissioner to partner with the community organization to recruit a
2.3          diverse cohort of fellows annually; and
2.4          (ii) provides fellows with training on climate science, renewable energy, popular
2.5          education techniques, and community organizing skills;
2.6          (2) an education and action component in which fellows develop and deliver workshops
2.7          and presentations on climate change and renewable careers in schools, community centers,
2.8          and youth events;
2.9          (3) a community engagement and advocacy component in which fellows:
2.10       (i) organize community events on climate change and renewable energy;
2.11       (ii) partner with local renewable energy companies for career shadowing and mentorship
2.12       opportunities; and
2.13       (iii) advocate for climate action within their communities and local governments; and
2.14       (4) a mentorship and sustainability component in which the partnering community
2.15       organization will connect fellows with mentors in resilience hubs for ongoing support and
2.16       guidance. Online platforms created for the program and alumni resources shall facilitate
2.17       continued learning and networking.
2.18                       Subd. 4.Report to legislature.  By January 15, 2026, and each January 15 thereafter,
2.19       the commissioner shall submit a report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the
2.20       senate and house of representatives committees with jurisdiction over energy and workforce
2.21       development on the program's effectiveness in:
2.22       (1) increasing youth awareness and understanding of climate change and renewable
2.23       energy careers;
2.24       (2) encouraging youth involvement in climate action activities;
2.25       (3) supporting career development in the renewable energy sector; and
2.26       (4) fostering collaboration among youth, community organizations, and renewable energy
2.27       companies.

2.28       Sec. 2. APPROPRIATION.
 2.29      $400,000 in fiscal year 2025 is appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner
2.30       of commerce for the youth climate action fellowship program. Money may be used for:
3.1          (1) fellow stipends and training expenses;
3.2          (2) program administration and outreach materials; and
3.3          (3) partnership grants with community organizations and renewable energy businesses.