Subdivision 1. Program administration. The commissioner of the Office of Higher Education must, to the extent funds are available, administer a credential completion program for adult learners consistent with this section.
Subd. 2. Definitions. (a) For the purpose of this section, the terms defined in this subdivision have the meanings given them.
(b) "Cost of attendance" means tuition and required fees charged by the institution and the campus-based budget used for federal financial aid for food, housing, books, supplies, transportation, and miscellaneous expenses.
(c) "Eligible student" means an individual who:
(1) meets the eligibility requirements in section 136A.121, subdivision 2, paragraphs (a), clauses (1), (2), (4), and (5); and (b);
(2) is 25 years old or older and under 62;
(3) has previously completed a minimum of 15 credits in a certificate or degree-seeking program that have been accepted by a participating institution;
(4) has not enrolled in any Minnesota institution in the two academic years prior to enrollment at a participating institution;
(5) has not completed a certificate, diploma, or degree of 16 credits or longer in length prior to enrollment at a participating institution in this program;
(6) has enrolled in three or more credits each term;
(7) reports a family adjusted gross income of $85,000 or less; and
(8) has applied for the grant on the form required by the commissioner.
(d) "Grant" means funds awarded under this section.
(e) "Participating institution" means a two-year institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system selected under subdivision 5.
(f) "Program" means a certificate, diploma, or degree program offered by a participating institution.
(g) To the extent not inconsistent with this section, the definitions in section 136A.101 apply to this section.
Subd. 3. Student application. Application for a grant must be made by a FAFSA or state aid application and any additional form required by the commissioner. Applications are due on a schedule set by the commissioner.
Subd. 4. Student grants. (a) The commissioner must, to the extent funds are available, make grants to eligible students to attend a program at a participating institution. The amount of a grant per spring or fall academic term is the lesser of $1,000 or the difference between the cost of attendance and other scholarships or grants received by the student. If the appropriation is greater than the projected grants for the spring and fall terms, the commissioner may award grants up to $1,000 per student for summer or interim terms.
(b) An eligible student may renew a student grant by applying for renewal on a form provided by the commissioner and on a schedule set by the commissioner. An eligible student may receive a student grant under this section for up to six semesters or the equivalent.
Subd. 5. Participating institutions. (a) A two-year institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system may apply to become a participating institution. The commissioner, in conjunction with a selection committee, shall select institutions through a competitive application process. Priority must be given to institutions participating in the most recently completed fiscal year.
(b) Participating institutions must:
(1) demonstrate a commitment to adult learners through adoption of best practice policies, programs, and services; and
(2) complete an adult learner assessment prior to participation.
Subd. 6. Institutional grants. Participating institutions may receive funds for student advising, resolving student financial holds, and improving services to eligible students.
2019 c 64 art 2 s 7; 1Sp2021 c 2 art 2 s 6
Structure Minnesota Statutes
Chapters 135A - 137 — Postsecondary Education
Chapter 136A — Higher Education
Section 136A.002 — Definitions.
Section 136A.01 — Office Of Higher Education.
Section 136A.03 — Executive Officers; Employees.
Section 136A.031 — Student Advisory Council.
Section 136A.0411 — Collecting Fees.
Section 136A.0412 — Acceptance Of Private Funds; Appropriation.
Section 136A.05 — Cooperation Of Institutions Of Higher Education.
Section 136A.051 — Student Records And Data.
Section 136A.055 — Developmental Education Reporting.
Section 136A.057 — Student Transfer Reporting.
Section 136A.06 — Federal Funds.
Section 136A.091 — Summer Academic Enrichment Program.
Section 136A.095 — Grants-in-aid; Purpose.
Section 136A.096 — Financial Aid Goals.
Section 136A.101 — Definitions.
Section 136A.103 — Institution Eligibility Requirements.
Section 136A.1201 — Minnesota Promise.
Section 136A.121 — State Grant Program.
Section 136A.1215 — Grants For Students With Intellectual And Developmental Disabilities.
Section 136A.123 — Mn Reconnect Program.
Section 136A.1241 — Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants.
Section 136A.125 — Child Care Grants.
Section 136A.126 — Indian Scholarships.
Section 136A.1274 — Underrepresented Student Teacher Grants.
Section 136A.1275 — Student Teacher Grants In Shortage Areas.
Section 136A.1276 — Alternative Teacher Preparation Grant Program.
Section 136A.131 — Accounting And Records.
Section 136A.1311 — Cash Flow.
Section 136A.1312 — Financial Aid Administrator, Professional Judgment.
Section 136A.1313 — Financial Aid Audits.
Section 136A.15 — Definitions.
Section 136A.155 — Additional Institution Eligibility Requirements.
Section 136A.16 — Powers And Duties Of Office.
Section 136A.162 — Classification Of Data.
Section 136A.1701 — Supplemental And Additional Loans.
Section 136A.1702 — Legislative Oversight.
Section 136A.1704 — Student Loan Refinancing.
Section 136A.171 — Revenue Bonds; Issuance; Proceeds.
Section 136A.172 — Negotiable Notes; Issuance; Conditions.
Section 136A.173 — Negotiability; Bond Anticipation Notes; Payment; Conditions.
Section 136A.174 — Security For Bonds.
Section 136A.175 — Refunding Revenue Bonds; Proceeds; Investments.
Section 136A.176 — Bonds Not State Obligations.
Section 136A.177 — Rights Of Bondholders.
Section 136A.178 — Legal Investments; Authorized Securities.
Section 136A.1785 — Loan Capital Fund.
Section 136A.1787 — Self Loan Revenue Bonds Annual Certificate Of Need.
Section 136A.1788 — Student Loan Debt Counseling.
Section 136A.1789 — Aviation Degree Loan Forgiveness Program.
Section 136A.1791 — Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program.
Section 136A.1792 — Promotion Of Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Programs.
Section 136A.1793 — Promotion Of Teacher Loan Forgiveness Programs.
Section 136A.1794 — Agricultural Education Loan Forgiveness Program.
Section 136A.1795 — Large Animal Veterinarian Loan Forgiveness Program.
Section 136A.1796 — Tribal College Supplemental Grant Assistance.
Section 136A.18 — Legislative Finding, Declaration, And Directive.
Section 136A.23 — Trustees Of Incorporated Colleges May Prescribe Course Of Study; Annual Report.
Section 136A.231 — Education; Postsecondary Students; Work-study Programs.
Section 136A.232 — Administration; Agreements With Educational Facilities.
Section 136A.233 — Work-study Grants.
Section 136A.246 — Dual Training Competency Grants.
Section 136A.26 — Memberships; Officers; Compensation; Removal.
Section 136A.28 — Definitions.
Section 136A.29 — Powers; Duties.
Section 136A.30 — Source Of Payment Of Expenses.
Section 136A.31 — Notes Of The Authority.
Section 136A.32 — Bonds Of The Authority.
Section 136A.33 — Trust Agreement.
Section 136A.34 — Revenue Refunding Bonds.
Section 136A.35 — Bonds Are Not State Obligation.
Section 136A.37 — Remedies Of Bondholders And Trustees.
Section 136A.38 — Bonds Eligible For Investment.
Section 136A.39 — Exemption From Taxes And Other Restrictions.
Section 136A.40 — Administration.
Section 136A.41 — Conflict Of Interest.
Section 136A.42 — Annual Report.
Section 136A.62 — Definitions.
Section 136A.63 — Registration.
Section 136A.64 — Information Required For Registration.
Section 136A.645 — School Closure.
Section 136A.646 — Additional Security.
Section 136A.65 — Approval Of Degrees And Name.
Section 136A.653 — Exemptions.
Section 136A.657 — Exemption; Religious Schools.
Section 136A.658 — Exemption; State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement Schools.
Section 136A.66 — List Of Registered Institutions.
Section 136A.67 — Registration Representations.
Section 136A.672 — Student Complaints.
Section 136A.675 — Risk Analysis.
Section 136A.685 — Private Institutions; Adjudication Of Fraud Or Misrepresentation.
Section 136A.821 — Definitions.
Section 136A.8225 — School Closure.
Section 136A.823 — License Renewal.
Section 136A.825 — Permits For Solicitors.
Section 136A.826 — Information To Students.
Section 136A.828 — Prohibitions.
Section 136A.829 — Revocation Of License Or Permit.
Section 136A.8295 — Student Complaints.
Section 136A.831 — Injunction.
Section 136A.833 — Exemptions.
Section 136A.834 — Exemption; Religious Schools.
Section 136A.861 — Intervention For College Attendance Program Grants.
Section 136A.87 — Planning Information For Postsecondary Education.
Section 136A.901 — Spinal Cord Injury And Traumatic Brain Injury Research Grant Program.
Section 136A.902 — Spinal Cord And Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Council.