7/15/2021
Investing in the Success of Students Across the State
Every child in Minnesota deserves access to a world-class education. This belief fuels Governor Walz’s budget, providing funding to make sure every student has the opportunity to succeed.
The 2022-23 budget passed by the Legislature and signed by Governor Walz breaks down barriers to higher education from admissions to graduation. A $1 million investment in the creation of Direct Admissions Minnesota will work to address enrollment disparities and help ensure every student has the opportunity for admittance to a postsecondary institution. An additional $715 thousand investment in Intervention for College Attendance grants provides low income and BIPOC students access to college readiness programs starting in the sixth grade.
For those already enrolled in higher education, a $188 thousand investment in the Emergency Assistance to Postsecondary Students grant program will support students experiencing food or housing insecurity so they can stay in school and complete their degree. By investing $4 million in the Fostering Independence Grants program, we will remove some major financial barriers for students who are or were in the foster care system, making the attainment of higher education possible. Finally, an additional $5.2 million investment in the State Grant will support 80,000 low- and middle-income students, providing resources to help cover tuition, fees, and other living and miscellaneous expenses. This includes 2,800 students receiving a State Grant for the first time.
Support a Diverse Teaching Workforce
When Governor Walz’s budget includes $3 million in the Aspiring Teachers of Color Scholarships pilot program to offer full scholarships to those seeking a teaching degree. An additional $2 million investment in Underrepresented Student Teacher grants will support teacher candidates of color and American Indian teachers as they complete their student teaching. These investments will help to increase the representation in the classroom, which can have a big impact on student outcomes and can play an important role in closing achievement gaps.
Increased Mental Health Support
Governor Walz knows that the mental and emotional health of students is critical to their success both in and out of the classroom. That is why his budget includes $2.5 million to support mental health awareness and services at Minnesota state colleges and universities.
The Office of Higher Education will be in touch with our higher education partners with more information on new and current programs. For more information on 2022-23 budget’s impact for higher education, you can read the whole bill: HF7 Chapter 2.
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