This bill proposes expanding workforce development scholarship eligibility in Minnesota. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136F.38, subdivision 3, to allow scholarships to be awarded to students eligible for resident tuition who are enrolled in specific programs of study, including advanced manufacturing, agriculture, healthcare services, information technology, early childhood education, transportation, construction, education, public safety, energy, and cybersecurity.

Additionally, each institution may add one more area of study based on regional workforce shortages, as determined by the Department of Employment and Economic Development's job vacancy data. Institutions can update this designated area once every two years.

To qualify, students must: - Enroll in at least nine credits at a two-year Minnesota State college to receive first- and second-year scholarships. - Be eligible for a one-year transfer scholarship if they transfer after two or more terms from a two-year college and enroll in at least nine credits at a four-year Minnesota State university.

This expansion aims to address workforce shortages by supporting students in high-demand fields.