Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to amend the existing conditions and eligibility criteria for the North Star Promise scholarships. It aims to restrict the eligibility for these scholarships to students who are enrolled in educational programs that lead to careers in industries and occupations that are deemed to be in high demand within the state of Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Eligibility Conditions for Scholarships: Amendments specify that scholarships may be awarded to:

  1. Students who have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the state aid application.
  2. Students with a family adjusted gross income below $80,000.
  3. Students enrolled in a program that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate in high-demand industries.
  4. Students who meet other existing conditions such as academic progress and avoiding legal and financial default scenarios.

• Determination of Eligible Programs:

  • Eligibility for the scholarships is limited to students pursuing studies in high-demand industries and occupations.
  • The Minnesota Office of Higher Education, using employment data provided by the Department of Employment and Economic Development, will determine these in-demand industries based on employment growth and job openings.
  • The list of eligible programs and industries will be regularly reviewed and updated, at least once every three years, to reflect changing labor market trends.

• Reporting Requirements:

  • The commissioner of higher education must submit annual reports starting in 2025, which will detail the status of the scholarship fund, list eligible programs, and provide data on scholarship recipients and their educational progress.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces new restrictions on the eligibility for scholarships, focusing efforts on aligning educational funding with employment markets. It modifies the existing statutory framework by adding a requirement for the scholarships to be targeted towards programs leading to careers in Minnesota's high-demand sectors.

Relevant Terms

North Star Promise, scholarships, high-demand industries, eligibility conditions, Minnesota Office of Higher Education, Department of Employment and Economic Development, employment data, labor market trends.