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HF2634 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

North Star Promise scholarship's eligibility conditions limited to students in programs in high-demand industries and occupations.

Related bill: SF3079

AI Generated Summary

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify the eligibility criteria for the North Star Promise scholarships by focusing on students enrolled in specific, high-demand industries and occupations, as identified by the state. This effort is intended to align educational opportunities with Minnesota's labor market needs.

Main Provisions

  • Eligibility Conditions: To qualify for a North Star Promise scholarship, students must:

    • Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the state aid application.
    • Have a family adjusted gross income below $80,000.
    • Be graduates of a secondary school or equivalent, or be at least 17 years old and meet college admission requirements.
    • Not possess a baccalaureate degree at the time of the scholarship award.
    • Enroll in at least one credit per semester in a program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate in an eligible program of study.
    • Comply with educational loan and child support payments.
    • Have no fraud-related convictions in obtaining federal funds and meet academic progress standards.

  • Eligible Programs of Study:

    • The scholarships will only be available to those in programs related to industries and occupations deemed in-demand by Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development.
    • The list of qualifying industries is determined based on employment growth projections and job openings and will be reviewed every three years.

  • Reporting Requirements:

    • The Commissioner of Higher Education must submit both a preliminary report by September 2025 and annual reports starting February 2026. These reports should include:
    • Scholarship fund status.
    • Lists of eligible programs of study.
    • Participation data, including the number of recipients, award amounts, demographic data, retention rates, and graduation statistics.

Significant Changes

The bill introduces a new subdivision that ensures scholarships focus on programs that support Minnesota's economic growth areas, thus enhancing the alignment between higher education and workforce needs.

Relevant Terms

  • North Star Promise
  • Scholarships
  • High-demand industries
  • Employment data
  • Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
  • FAFSA
  • In-demand occupations
  • Labor market data
  • Academic progress
  • Demographic data

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
March 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toHigher Education Finance and Policy
April 02, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthor added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Clarifies that the eligible student must be pursuing programs in industries and occupations in-demand in Minnesota."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the conditions for eligibility in the North Star Promise scholarship program under section 136A.1465, subdivision 2.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjustments to income requirements and eligible programs to align with economic forecasts and demand."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "136A.1465",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 2"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Incorporates payment agreement conditions for applicants in arrears."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "References compliance requirements for applicants in arrears in child support as per section 518A.69.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "518A.69",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Updates satisfactory academic progress requirements in the eligibility criteria under section 136A.101, subdivision 10.",
      "modified": [
        "Ensures the academic eligibility aligns with new scholarship conditions."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "136A.101",
    "subdivision": "subdivision 10"
  }
]

Sponsors