Bill > HF679

This bill increases the award amounts for innovative service-learning grants in Minnesota and appropriates funding to support these grants. The bill modifies existing legislation to raise the maximum grant amount from $50,000 to $75,000 for eligible school partnerships that develop student-led service-learning programs. These grants aim to enhance student engagement, academic achievement, and community involvement by supporting partnerships between schools and community organizations. Eligible partnerships must include students, school employees, and community partners, and focus on creating service-learning experiences that align with academic standards, foster civic engagement, and help students explore career pathways. The bill allows up to 32 grants to be awarded, distributed equitably across congressional districts, with a requirement that grantees allocate 50% of the grant to community partners (though this match can be waived for schools with high numbers of students from low-income families). Additionally, the bill appropriates $1,000,000 for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to fund these grants, with any unspent funds from 2026 carried over to 2027. Grantees must report on student and community outcomes, and the commissioner of education is required to submit a report to legislative committees every odd-numbered year. The provisions become effective July 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF0679&ssn=0&y=2025