DEED Drive for 5 grad now working as RN at Twin Cities hospital

DEED’s Drive for 5 initiative is helping Minnesotans prepare for and find family-sustaining employment and fill high-demand positions in high-growth fields. Emma’s story exemplifies the power of industry sector partnerships at the core of Drive for 5, which we launched in 2023 to connect people with employment in five fields: the caring professions, education, manufacturing, technology and the trades.

The University of Minnesota and Minnesota State used a $740,000 Drive for 5 grant to launch a Pre-Licensure Nursing Apprenticeship pilot program that Emma participated in. This pilot empowers students to earn while they learn, allowing them to stay focused on their studies and clinical experience. This made a big difference for Emma, a single mother who previously had to rely on a food shelf as she juggled work, school and caring for her children.  

“Nursing school is challenging: the content, the intense schedule and the strict grading policies make nursing students feel overwhelmed,” said Emma who graduated in May from Anoka-Ramsey Community College. “Having someone to support you is great and helpful during that time, especially if you have other responsibilities, such as a family.” 

As part of the pilot, a total of 32 nursing students worked as paid nurse apprentices at Allina Health and Essentia Health hospitals and clinics, with more expected to start this fall. The students receive a full-time wage and employee benefits for working two shifts weekly as nurse apprentices, while attending nursing classes. This unique model provided financial relief and crucial, hands-on experience that prepared Emma for her new role as an RN on a medical surgical unit at a Twin Cities hospital.

Emma’s story shows how Drive for 5 is making a real difference for Minnesota workers and employers. DEED awarded nearly $20 million in grants in 2024 as part of the Drive for 5 Initiative, and we’re currently accepting applications for the next round of Drive for 5 competitive grants. Interested training providers can visit this page on the DEED website for more information.  

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