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Over 200 Minnesotans Benefitted from Student Teacher Grants in 2022

2/28/2023


 

St. Paul, MN – New reports from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) show that a total of 212 Minnesotans received Underrepresented Student Teacher Grants and Student Teacher Grants in Shortage Areas to support their student teaching during the 2021-22 school year. A total of $1.4 million in funding was disbursed between the two grants.

“Too often, costs associated with student teaching stand as barrier for those pursuing a career in education,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “These grants provide necessary funding to ensure Minnesotans are able to finish their program and become fully licensed teachers. The targeted nature of the grants helps to ensure greater representation in our teacher workforce and connect future teachers to districts in Greater Minnesota where there is a high need for educators.”

The Underrepresented Student Teacher Grants was awarded to 140 aspiring teachers of color and indigenous teachers. Data shows that students do better when there is increased representation in the classroom, and this grant supports aspiring teachers of color and indigenous teachers. In FY2022, a total of $946,726 was disbursed to the 140 awarded students. The average award amount was $6,762.

The Student Teacher Grants in Shortage Areas was awarded to 72 aspiring teachers who are pursuing licensure in high-need areas and/or are student teaching in districts where educator positions are harder to fill, many of which are in Greater Minnesota. According to the report, 27 Greater Minnesota school districts benefited from this investment. In FY2022, a total of $485,000 was disbursed to the 72 awarded students. The average award amount was $6,738.

Both grants saw a higher number of applications from student teachers in 2022 than the appropriated funds could support. For the Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant, OHE received 176 applications, with 140 applicants being awarded a grant. For the Student Teacher Grants in Shortage Areas, OHE received 411 applications, with 72 applicants being awarded the grant.

In recognition of the need for both grants, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan’s current budget proposal would increase investment in both programs. Under their budget proposal, the Underrepresented Student Teacher Grants would see an increased investment of $1.6 million each biennium, while the Student Teacher Grants in Shortage Areas would see an increased investment of $6 million each biennium. With these additional investments, more teacher candidates will be able to access the grant and receive the support they need to finish their program and become teachers.

Read the full 2023 Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant Report.

Read the full 2023 Student Teacher Grants in Shortage Areas Report.


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