News & Media

In 2023, Governor Walz established the American Indian Scholars (AIS) program, a first-dollar tuition and fee-free pathway for students who are enrolled members or citizens of any federally recognized tribe or Canadian First Nation attending a Minnesota State institution or the University of Minnesota.

With AIS now in its third year of implementation, Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) Commissioner recently visited Bemidji State University (BSU) to meet with BSU, Northwest Technical College (NTC), and Tribal College leadership, staff, and students to hear how the investments are working for American Indian students.

Earlier this month, Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) Commissioner Dennis Olson experienced the excitement of Direct Admissions firsthand, when he joined the St. Cloud Tech High School senior class as they opened their offer letters. Commissioner Olson offered a few words before the class of 380 seniors ripped open their envelopes and saw which schools were ready to enroll them next fall.

With North Star Promise entering its third year of implementation, Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) Commissioner Dennis Olson and Senator Omar Fateh, who was the chief author and lead architect of the program, visited Metro State University to hear how the program is working.

In an effort to address the licensed teacher shortage for Minnesota’s youngest learners and their families, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) awarded $950,000 in Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE) Teacher Shortage Grants to four postsecondary institutions: Concordia University-St. Paul, Minnesota State University-Moorhead, University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas.

On Tuesday, September 22, Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner Dennis Olson visited St. Catherine's University (St. Kate's) in St. Paul to hear firsthand from student parents about the ways state investments have made completing their degree possible.

In an effort to ensure parents enrolled in college have the supports necessary to complete their degree, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) has awarded $2.8 million in Student Parent Support Initiative Grants.

Today, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education announced fiscal year 2027 recipients of the Inclusive Higher Education Grants.

Today, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) announces the 2026 recipients of the Dual Training Grant. In total, $4.87 million was awarded to 71 Minnesota businesses and five regional organizations that represent multiple employers.