Special Populations

Supporting the success of special populations is a core expectation of the Perkins V legislation and a central focus of Minnesota’s Career and Technical Education mission. Postsecondary institutions play a critical role in ensuring that learners from these groups have equitable access to high-quality career pathways, informed transition planning, and the academic and technical supports needed to complete their programs and achieve meaningful employment. This section of the Postsecondary Transitions Handbook provides guidance, tools, and recommended practices for identifying the needs of special populations, implementing evidence-based supports, and strengthening collaboration across secondary, postsecondary, and workforce partners to improve learner outcomes.