HF2417

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide financial assistance to support low-income students in Minnesota with college admission and graduation efforts. It is intended to benefit students financially and assist them through various stages of their higher education journey.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill proposes an appropriation of $500,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $500,000 for fiscal year 2027. These funds will be transferred from the state's general fund to the Wallin Education Partners.
• Program Support: The money is designated specifically for programs that support college admission, financial aid advising, career development, and graduation programming for low-income students.
• Restrictions on Usage: Wallin Education Partners must use the funds exclusively for students who reside in Minnesota and attend colleges or universities within the state.

Reporting Requirements

• Wallin Education Partners is mandated to provide an annual report by February 1 each year they receive funding. This report must be submitted to the relevant legislative committees and include:
  • Demographic information about the students served.
  • Details about the colleges and universities attended by these students.
  • Information on the high schools from which the students graduated.
  • Geographical distribution of the students involved in the program.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• The bill introduces a new financial appropriation specifically directed towards supporting low-income students in Minnesota through Wallin Education Partners. It establishes a reporting requirement to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of the funds.

Relevant Terms

• Higher Education
• Financial Aid
• Low-Income Students
• College Admission
• Graduation Programming
• Minnesota Students
• Wallin Education Partners