Bill > SF2518

This bill modifies the workforce development scholarship program in Minnesota, expanding its scope and flexibility to better support students in high-demand career fields. The bill increases the total lifetime scholarship limit from $7,500 to $8,500 and allows for more diverse use of funds across credit and noncredit programs. It broadens eligibility to include noncredit programs leading to industry-recognized credentials and allows scholarship money to be used for various supportive expenses like tools, transportation, and certification exams. The scholarship program now emphasizes skill-based outcomes, stackable credentials, and credit for prior learning pathways. Students can receive scholarships for different types of programs, with varying amounts based on the type of institution (two-year colleges or four-year universities) and the program type. The bill also includes a significant appropriation of $237,958,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $236,958,000 in fiscal year 2027 to the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, with specific allocations for infrastructure improvements, student support services, equipment upgrades, and expanding workforce development scholarships. Additionally, $5,000,000 is appropriated for emergency student grants to help students overcome immediate financial barriers to completing their education.

Education

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF2518&ssn=0&y=2025