In collaboration with the University of Minnesota Institute on Community Integration, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education is accepting proposals for Inclusive Higher Education Grants, a new competitive grant program designed to develop new or enhance existing postsecondary initiatives with the purpose of increasing overall enrollment and access for students with an intellectual and developmental disability.

Any public, nonprofit or tribal postsecondary two- or four-year institution is eligible to apply. The first grant cycle will focus on funding the development of new high-quality, inclusive higher education programs, as well as enhance existing opportunities on college campuses. Applications are due by July 25. 

In an effort to support both new teachers and those working to become teachers, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) opened applications for two student teacher grants and the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program. These programs play a critical role in supporting the next generation of teachers in Minnesota.

The Minnesota Student Teachers in Shortage Areas Grant (STSA) is available to eligible students who intend to teach in a license shortage area or rural school district after graduating and receiving their teaching license. The Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant (USTG) is available to eligible students who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce. Applications are due July 26.

Current teachers with student loan debt can apply for the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program, which provides student loan repayment assistance to eligible teachers providing classroom instruction in Minnesota. Applications are due August 31.

Governor Tim Walz announced the recipients of the 2024 Dual Training Grants awarded by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE). In total, $5.4 million was awarded to 84 Minnesota employers to fund dual training programs for 958 employees in high-demand industries. Grants were awarded to employers in the high-demand industries of advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, information technology, and newly added industries for the 2024 award year,  child care and transportation.

OHE’s Dual Training Grant program partners with Minnesota Dual-Training Pipeline at the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) to help employers meet their workforce needs by creating earn-and-learn programs for employees. Employers collaborate with training providers and contribute substantially to career advancement and development of their employees by providing them with on-the-job training and supporting their postsecondary education. Grant funds can be used to cover the cost of dual trainees' tuition, fees, and required materials for the related instruction training in program occupations.

Are you a Minnesota student who is attending college this fall, but are struggling to complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act application? Students and families can make one-on-one appointments to get direct support with their financial aid applications. The college access group, College Possible, has staff who are ready and able to assist. Make an appointment on the College Possible website.

In addition, students who attended high school in the Minneapolis Public Schools and Saint Paul Public Schools districts can receive direct support through Achieve Twin Cities to complete their applications. Students can make an appointment on the Achieve Twin Cities website.

Co-host a FAFSA completion event in your community

Educational and community organizations can also request support from College Possible to co-host an event. College Possible will provide staff with expertise in navigating this year's newly redesigned FAFSA form. Contact cpmnhighschool@gmail.com or visit the College Possible website to learn more.

The Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) announced a significant training opportunity designed and specifically tailored for school district administrators, staff, school board members, and educators, to enhance their understanding and engagement with American Indian students, families, and the 11 Sovereign Tribal Nations that share geography with the state of Minnesota. The two-day training will be held on July 23-24 at Grand Casino Mille Lacs in Onamia, Minn.

The primary goal of this training is to equip K-12 educators, staff, and administrators, with the knowledge and tools necessary to serve American Indian students and foster positive relationships effectively. Participants will gain insights that they can apply directly in their teaching practices and community interactions. A preliminary agenda is available here. Contact MDE Tribal Liaison Melanie Franks with questions at Melanie.Franks@state.mn.us.

The U.S. Department of Education is seeking comments from administrators, researchers, policy experts, and other individuals familiar with Early Childhood Education (ECE) employer data and the administration of ECE programs to potentially expand Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) to workers in early childhood education settings. 

PSLF has been available to Federal student loan borrowers who are employed by a government or certain types of not-for-profit organizations. Under the current PSLF program rules, hundreds of thousands of ECE educators, many of whom operate small businesses, are excluded from the program because of their employer’s tax status.

The U.S. Department of Education has issued a Request for Information (RFI) to gather feedback to help determine employer eligibility and related considerations.