Workforce Program - Tuition Reimbursement

Applications are located at the bottom of the page

Maximum Reimbursement:

Up to $5,000 to help pay off student loan debt for new employees.
Maximum Business Payout: $15,000 per business. Requests may exceed $15,000, but the payout will not.

Business Eligibility:

The business must be hiring for a position listed in the high-need and emerging occupations list. If the position is not listed, the employer may request a review for approval.
The business must have a location in Dunn County.
The application must be submitted and approved prior to hiring a new employee.
Employer will certify the employee’s eligibility and ensure proper use of funds.

Employee Qualifications:

Proof of the degree, certificate, or licensure must be provided by the employer on behalf of employee.
Employee must reside in Dunn County.
Employee must be hired within 12 months of the employer’s application for the Workforce Tuition Reimbursement Program.
Employee must work full-time (32+ hours) for a minimum of 3 years.
Employees must have unpaid student loan debt incurred for obtaining their degree, certificate, or licensure. Proof of debt is required.

Reimbursement Process:

Funds will be released upon submission of proof of student debt incurred, proof of degree, certification, or licensure, and verification of employment.
The employer must submit the Workforce Tuition Reimbursement Application – Step 2 along with all requested documents to qualify for reimbursement.
Reimbursement is processed after the probationary period (60 days) and employee certification is approved.

Payback Terms:

In the event of termination, employee quitting, or like situation (other than death or disability) that causes employment not to last the three-year period, employer will be expected to notify Dunn County JDA within one month that the employee is no longer with them and return funds to Dunn County JDA within three months.
Payback amount is based on a tiered schedule as follows:

o 0-12 months, 100% payback required.

o 13-24 months, 50% payback required.

o 25-35 months, 30% payback required.

The repayment can be deducted from the employee’s final payout or managed through a payback arrangement.
The employer is responsible for retrieving funds from terminated employee and repaying them to Dunn County JDA.

Application Process:

Employer Application:

The employer completes the Workforce Tuition Reimbursement Employer Application for an open position that is listed on the high-need and emerging occupations list and submits it to Dunn County JDA for approval.
The application is reviewed, and once approved, the employer may offer the incentive as part of their recruitment package.
Application Validity: The application will stay active for 12 months. Businesses must resubmit annually to remain eligible for program funding.

Employee Certification:

Upon hiring, the employer and employee complete the Workforce Tuition Reimbursement Application – Step 2 and submit proof of unpaid student loan debt along with proof of degree, certificate, or licensure.
Reimbursement funds will be released after verification of receipts and completion of the probationary period (60 days).

Verification:

The employer will submit annual verification of the employee’s continued employment for three years after the incentive is utilized.
Failure to verify employment or noncompliance with the terms will result in the cancellation of the program and possible repayment of funds.

Funding Availability:

Funds are disbursed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Approval of the application does not guarantee fund availability during the entire program cycle.

Terms and Conditions:

Applicants will be required to sign a Business Incentive Agreement and Memorandum of Understanding guaranteeing the funds will be used according to the details included on the application.
Dunn County JDA reserves the right to cancel the program in the event of failure to comply with this agreement.
Application to the program does not guarantee funding.
Dunn County JDA will have the authority to approve, disapprove, or make changes as necessary.
Please consult your accountant on proper tax handling.
The Dunn County JDA reserves the right to request additional information and has final authority to approve, disapprove, or make changes as necessary.