Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan announced that 1,572 Minnesotans are benefitting from a new program aimed at creating tuition-free higher education opportunities for students in high-need career areas. Governor Walz created the Minnesota Future Together program in 2021 to grow Minnesota's workforce using American Recovery Plan funds.
"This program allows us to grow our workforce in critical sectors like health care and skilled labor, investing in our state's future and expanding our economy," said Walz. "We're incentivizing high-need and rewarding careers to help students secure high-paying jobs and serve their state at the same time."
"The Minnesota Future Together grant helps us build a resilient, diverse, and highly-skilled workforce to meet the economic demands of today and the future," said Flanagan. "I am proud of the impact of this grant program on the over 1,500 students who benefitted -- and those who will continue to benefit in the future."
"Because of this grant, we removed the financial barrier of postsecondary education for over 1,500 Minnesotans," said Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson. "This is not only an investment in the student; it is investment in the future of our state. These students are pursuing credentials in careers that are not only in-demand, but many are also facing severe staffing shortages. By supporting these students, we are strengthening the workforce pipeline and ensuring Minnesota businesses have access to the talent they need to thrive and serve their communities."
Minnesota Future Together Grants are made possible through a $35 million investment of American Rescue Plan funds and seek to increase the number of qualified workers for careers in the following areas: health care, business, STEM, industry and technology, education, and public service. In looking at the first round of grantees:
- 26% are pursuing a credential in health care,
- 20% are pursuing a degree in industry and technology,
- 20% are pursuing a degree in business,
- 16% are pursuing a degree in STEM,
- 9% are pursuing a degree in education, and
- 9% are pursuing a degree in public service
Breaking down the numbers further, of the 1,572 who received a grant:
- 1,462 are enrolled on a Minnesota State campus
- 110 are enrolled on a University of Minnesota campus
- 936 are attending a 2-year or credential program
- 636 are attending a 4-year program
- Average age of grantees was 26.5
Eligibility for the grants is determined each semester, based on a student's financial aid profile, with grants ranging from $100-15,400. Award amounts are based on each student's remaining tuition and fees after other aid including Pell and Minnesota State Grants have been applied. Grants will be awarded as long as funds are available, with the program expected to end in 2024. Students must be Minnesota residents and attend a public institution or tribal college.
Categories: Minnesota, Education