Intervention for College Attendance Grants

Increasing access to postsecondary attainment and the support of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

 

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education administers the Intervention for College Attendance Program (ICAP) Grants per Minnesota Statutes 136A.861, which was established by the Minnesota Legislature in 2001. The purpose of ICAP is to foster postsecondary attendance and retention by providing outreach services to historically underserved students in grades six through 12 and historically underrepresented college students.

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible applicants include the following organizations, located in Minnesota, that provide eligible services to eligible students:: 

• Public and private postsecondary institutions
• Local Educational Agencies (LEAs)
• School districts
• Middle/high schools 
• Nonprofit organizations 
• Professional associations 

What are Eligible Services?

Eligible services for support programs include, but are not limited to:

• Academic counseling
• Mentoring
• Fostering and improving parental involvement in planning and facilitating a college education;
• Services for students with English as a second language
• Academic enrichment activities
• Tutoring
• Career awareness and exploration
• Orientation to college life
• Assistance with high school course selection and information about college admission requirements
• Financial literacy education/counseling

Who are Eligible Students?

Eligible students are in grades six through 12 who meet one or more of the following criteria:

• Are counted under section 1124(c) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 (Title I);
• Are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch under the National School Lunch Act;
• Receive assistance under the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Law (Title I of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunities Reconciliation Act of 1996); or
• Are a member of groups traditionally underrepresented in higher education.

Eligible undergraduate students, for the purpose of this program, are considered those who met the student eligibility criteria as sixth through 12th graders and are soon-to-be entering into their first semester of college or are currently in their first year of college. 

How Much Money Can a Grantee Receive?

A grantee can receive up to $120,000 for a biennium; $60,000 per year. Grantees are required to match the grant dollar-for-dollar either through cash or in-kind contributions.
In fall of 2023, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education awarded $2,700,480 ($1,350,240 per fiscal year) among 26 grantees.

What is the Application Process?

On odd-numbered years, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education releases a Request for Proposal. The next opportunity to apply for ICAP is anticipated to be in spring of 2025.

Who do I Contact with Questions?

For ICAP questions, please contact the Minnesota Office of Higher Education at GWI.OHE@state.mn.us. 

Reports

• Intervention for College Attendance Program: 2017-2018 Report
  [48 pgs; release date: February 11, 2019]
• Intervention for College Attendance Program: 2015-2016 Report
  [95 pgs; release date: January 17, 2017]
• Intervention for College Attendance Program: 2013-2014 Report
  [89 pgs; release date: January 15, 2015]
• Intervention for College Attendance Program: 2011-2012 Report
  [97 pgs; release date: January 15, 2013]
• Intervention for College Attendance Program: 2009-2010 Report
  [103 pgs; release date: January 18, 2011]
• Intervention for College Attendance Program: 2007-2008 Report
  [74 pgs; release date: January 28, 2009]