Contact: Katryn Conlin, Communications Director
651-385-6364, [email protected]
For Immediate Release
New state grant program will provide free tuition and fees at Southeast Technical for qualifying 2016 high school grads
Winona, MN (February 22, 2016) -- Minnesota high school seniors heading to Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical in fall 2016 could get their tuition and general fees covered if they qualify for a new pilot program.
The Occupational Grant Pilot Program will cover the cost of tuition and fees for career-oriented programs at Southeast Technical. Qualifying students will also receive mentoring services to help them successfully complete their program.
"This pilot program was designed with two benefits in mind: lower the cost of higher education for middle-income students, and help meet growing workforce needs in high demand areas," according to Larry Pogemiller, commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE).
Minnesota resident students with adjusted family gross income of $90,000 or less for the 2015 tax year are eligible for the pilot program, which will cover any remaining tuition and general fees after a student's Federal Pell Grant and Minnesota State Grant have been deducted.
In order for students to participate in the pilot program, they must be admitted into and start the occupational program during fall term 2016. Students who receive funding under this program the first year must maintain a GPA of 2.5 and participate in the mentoring program to receive funding for the second year. At this time, the pilot is only funded for two years.
"Funds are limited, and applications will be ranked by the date received, so it's critical that students apply to Southeast Technical and complete the 2016-2017 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as quickly as possible," says Nate Emerson, Southeast Technical Vice President for Student Affairs.
For more information about the Occupational Grant Pilot Program, visit www.southeastmn.one/financialaid.
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About Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical
Southeast Technical is a two-year institution that provides its students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes they will need for a lifetime of learning. With more than 30 programs of study and 90 degree, diploma, and certificate options, many students are prepared to launch a career in a technical or trade field as soon as they graduate. Others begin the pathway to a four-year bachelor's degree by earning transferable college credits in liberal arts and sciences. The Winona campus opened in 1949, merging with the Red Wing campus in 1992 and becoming Minnesota State College - Southeast Technical in 1999. Southeast Technical is a member of the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. For more information, visit www.southeastmn.one.