SF3972 Summary

• Establishes the Inclusive Higher Education Technical Assistance Center at the University of Minnesota's Institute on Community Integration to expand postsecondary education access for students with intellectual disabilities.

• Creates a competitive grant program awarding up to $200,000 annually for four years (then $100,000 in subsequent years) to eligible Minnesota institutions of higher education to develop or enhance inclusive higher education initiatives.

• Requires grant recipients to adopt national accreditation standards, provide 25% matching funds, and report on performance indicators including student enrollment, retention, employment outcomes, and salary levels.

• Appropriates $250,000 in fiscal year 2023 for the Technical Assistance Center and $750,000 in fiscal year 2023 for grants, with ongoing base funding of $250,000 and $750,000 respectively for fiscal year 2024 and later.

• Mandates the center director establish an advisory committee with 50% student representation to review inclusive higher education offerings and identify barriers to access.