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.
“We know that early childhood education is critical in setting students up for success,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “These grants are helping us bring more Minnesotans into the state’s teacher workforce, ensuring every child has access to a highly trained educator from the first day they step into the classroom.”
Administered individually by awarded universities, the grant program will support a pathway for many individuals, particularly future educators from rural communities and students of color, in completing Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board (PELSB) approved programs that lead to ECFE-related teacher licenses in Minnesota. Funds will provide tuition relief through student scholarships, targeted recruitment for students, as well as other support services.
In Minnesota, teacher candidates must obtain both an early childhood education license and parent and family education license are required for an educator to provide services in any of the state’s ECFE programs. While this requirement has become foundational in the quality of delivered services, the additional cost can be barrier for students, particularly future early childhood educators of color and those from low-income backgrounds. These grants will help address costs associated with obtaining two necessary licenses.
The ECFE Teacher Shortage Grant program was first established by the 2023 Minnesota Legislature as a one-time investment. During that round, OHE awarded $950,000 to three institutions: Minnesota State University-Moorhead, University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas. In 2025, the Minnesota Legislature made an ongoing investment to ensure more children can benefit from licensed teachers as they begin their educational journeys.
Learn more and view a list of awarded grantees on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education website.
