EVERY FIFTEEN DAYS
Updates from The Office of Higher Education twice a month

Expanded SNAP Access Includes More College Students

In response to COVID-19, the federal government has expanded access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for college students. The federal government has also increased the amount of SNAP benefits those eligible can receive. Right now, because of the pandemic, everyone who qualifies for SNAP gets the maximum amount for their household size.

SNAP helps families and individuals make sure they get the food they need. It can be used like cash to buy fruits, vegetables, cereal, bread, meat, fish, dairy products and more.

SNAP is an entitlement program, which means that every single person eligible for the program will get benefits. However, to be eligible for SNAP, students must also meet additional SNAP rules and income eligibility criteria.

Detailed information about SNAP eligibility and personalized assistance with the online application can be found at MNFoodHelper.

2020 Study Abroad Health and Safety Report

We are excited to announce that the 2020 Study Abroad Health and Safety Report has been released online. The report outlines the participation and incident rates of Minnesota college students who took classes as part of a study abroad program. The 2020 report also highlights the impact that COVID-19 had on study abroad participation.

Summer Academic Enrichment Program

There is still funding remaining to support up to 300 additional students for the summer of 2021 Summer Academic Enrichment Program. Participants apply directly to the program sponsors to be considered for stipends of up to $1,000 towards the direct cost for students in grades 3-11 to attend eligible summer academic enrichment programs. Each eligible program has a different deadline — check out the participating programs.

Note to our subscribers:
OHE is starting back up with regular newsletters. We are happy to have you on our newsletter list, but if our content is no longer of your interest, you may unsubscribe.