MN SF2330

Commissioner of the Office of Higher Education must establish a competitive grant program serving at least 1,000 students at Minnesota public postsecondary institutions, prioritizing "academic middle" students (approximately 2.5+ GPA) at risk of noncompletion due to academic, financial, or systemic barriers.

Grantees must implement structured support including persistence risk assessments, tiered interventions, individualized coaching, and coordination with campus services.

Eligible applicants are nonprofit or other organizations with demonstrated experience supporting degree completion for low-income students (families at or below 275% of federal poverty guidelines) across both Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and University of Minnesota systems.

Commissioner must submit annual reports to legislative committees on participant retention rates, credential attainment, financial aid renewal rates, and outcomes compared to a demographically similar non-participant cohort.

$900,000 one-time appropriation from the general fund in fiscal year 2027.