Indigenous populations have long faced barriers in pursuing higher education and Minnesota's new free college tuition program could help put some of these dreams within reach.
This fall, the state launched its North Star Promise initiative, where households earning below $80,000 qualify for free tuition at state colleges and universities. Experts said limited scholarships are one of the many obstacles Native Americans encounter in the world of higher education.
Anna Sheppard, president of White Earth Tribal and Community College, does not sense the new program will lead to a big enrollment boost but for students receiving aid, it could take their college journey to greater heights.
"What I really appreciate is that they're not going to have to graduate having debt," Sheppard emphasized. "Maybe they're going to pursue a master's or doctoral, so then they don't have to worry about that."
She noted juggling student loans and other college debt often limits Indigenous populations from obtaining advanced degrees. Research from the Postsecondary National Policy Institute shows that between 2010 and 2020, there was an 18% decrease in graduate enrollment among Native Americans.
At White Earth, Sheppard noted the possibility of more students from tribal areas means they could be learning about in-demand careers and technology, such as solar energy.
"On top of that, we do have a solar array on campus, so they get to see one that's actually an operation," Sheppard explained. "Right now, that powers our extension-customized education building."
She suggested the solar classes they provide, including learning how to install panels, put the students in a better position after graduation with more projects coming on board in Minnesota. Industry leaders said they are having a harder time filling jobs, increasingly offering good pay and benefits.
Support for this reporting was provided by Lumina Foundation.
-
Contributed/listener PeteThis week, we're asking about your collections. Responses have ranged from postcards to canoes to dogs. -
The new program airs Saturday nights after Green Cheese Trivia from 9 p.m.-midnight. -
Of all the businesses in MN, 99.4% are considered small businesses, employing almost half of Minnesota’s workforce, according to the Statistics of U.S. Businesses census. -
ContributedThe University of Minnesota Hubbard School of Journalism and Mass Communication program placed student journalists in the state Capitol to cover the 2025 legislative session. -
Contributed/Unbound MNUnbound is a new group for women in the Grand Rapids area. They are hosting a Women in Leadership panel 6 p.m. Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Old Central School. -
3 men plead guilty to Bemidji murder and robbery; U.S. Sens. want answers about MN federal buildingsPlus: Social media post on Grand Rapids trans bathroom use prompts public comment; and family-owned Cragun's Resort to be sold to investment group. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEA social media post about a transgender student using the bathroom at Grand Rapids High School prompted hateful comments online and a response from the queer community at the School Board meeting. -
Contributed/Tina Smith's Office, Amy Klobuchar's OfficeMinnesota's U.S. Senators Tina Smith and Amy Klobuchar wrote letters about the Bemidji Indian Health Service office and Fergus Falls federal courthouse. -
Contributed/Jimmy Emerson DVM via FlickrThe Beltrami County Attorney's Office said the three men admitted to their involvement in the June 2023 incident, with one pleading guilty to murder. -
Maria Hileman/KAXEKAXE's weekly list of concerts near you features Sarah Morris and Doyle Turner, Scott Jasmin and The Gracenotes, Charlie Parr and LaPlant Road.
