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In an effort to ensure parents enrolled in college have the supports necessary to complete their degree, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) awarded 2.8 million dollars in Student Parent Support Initiative Grants throughout the state. �鶹ֱ�� was awarded $125,000 to provide basic needs grants to support student parents. 

“These grants are playing an important part in making Minnesota the top state to raise a family,” OHE Commissioner Dennis Olson said. “By providing students with the supports they need to balance being a parent and completing their degree, we are setting Minnesotans and their families up for success post-graduation.”

“We are so grateful for this important support from the Legislature for our student parents,” said Heidi Goettl, Director of the Student Resource Center, who appreciates how the Legislature and College go above and beyond to help ensure student success. “These grants help students stay enrolled, ease financial worries, and demonstrate meaningful support for parents as they balance the many responsibilities of college, work, and family.”

The majority of the grant funding available to student parents at �鶹ֱ�� will support essential needs, including rent, groceries, children’s clothing, and other everyday expenses. Student parents enrolled in eight or fewer credits may receive grants of $500, while those enrolled in nine or more credits may receive $1,000 pending a review of their applications. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Here’s what former Student Parent Support Initiative Grants recipients from �鶹ֱ�� say:

"As a single mom, balancing school while raising my kids can be overwhelming at times. The grant helped me cover important expenses including childcare, utilities, and everyday needs, which took a lot of stress off my shoulders. Thanks to that support, I was able to stay focused on my classes and continue working toward my goals without constantly worrying about how I was going to make ends meet." 

"This program has not only helped me financially, but it has also given me a sense of stability and encouragement. It allows me to keep pushing forward, knowing I have support behind me as I work toward creating a better future for my children. "

"The funds and resources helped relieve some of the financial pressure that comes with raising children while pursuing a college education. Whether it was assistance with basic needs, educational expenses, or family-related costs, that support gave me breathing room and allowed me to focus more on my studies and being present for my children. That kind of relief is powerful for student parents because it creates stability where there may otherwise be stress and uncertainty."

"Beyond the financial help, as a grant recipient, I felt seen and supported as a parent working hard to build a better future for my family. It reminded me that student parents are not alone in this journey and there are people and programs invested in our success. "

Dean of Students and TRIO Director Becky Nordin notes the goal of the Student Resource Center is to connect currently enrolled students with supportive community networks, resources, and opportunities that can help ease barriers to their academic success. As part of �鶹ֱ��’s Student Resource Center, the Resource and Referral Center is located in T.2200 and provides students with connections to resources and support services that can help them thrive.

More information about the Student Support Initiative Grant and other important resources at �鶹ֱ�� can be found on the Basic Needs webpage or emailing resources@minneapolis.edu.