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.
-
Lorie ShaullWith many campaign signs decorating lawns already, candidates are reminded to keep signs out of driving lanes, shoulders and ditches around Minnesota's highways. -
Contributed/Adobe StockLeaders in Mower County said there are economic benefits of using farmland for solar projects. -
Contributed/Riess Photography via FlickrThe Sioux Falls-based rural healthcare provider cites coverage denials and delays in accessing care. -
Contributed/Edge Center for the ArtsThere's plenty to do throughout Northern Minnesota this week, including a harvest fair in Bemidji and a mental health conference in Grand Rapids. -
Contributed/Catherine Davis/Senate Media ServicesWhile some land has been returned, Sen. Mary Kunesh thinks misunderstandings led to the failure of some bills during the last legislative session. -
Plus: Red Lake Band and Region Five Development Commission receive millions for energy projects; MnDOT reminds campaigners that signs are not allowed on right-of-ways; and the clean energy transition has sparked conversations about agricultural land use. -
Contributed/Lane Johnson, University of Minnesota Cloquet Forestry CenterFor millennia, the Great Lakes Anishinaabe used traditional fire practices to manage the forests of Northeastern Minnesota. Today, science is capturing the frequency and severity of those fires to understand how communities might recreate their relationship with the land. -
Plus: Bemidji mayoral race thins out as challenger announces intent to quit the campaign trail; Sioux Falls-based Sanford Health announces plan to drop Humana Medicare Advantage; Lakeland is gearing up for Debate Night 2024 premiering Oct. 7, and the Superior National Forest added 5,500 acres of natural research area.
-
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe company is expanding its recruitment efforts ahead of the planned opening of its pellet plant in early 2026. -
Contributed/Dan Jourdain for Bemidji Mayor Facebook pageFormer at-large council member Dan Jourdain said on social media that he intends to no longer campaign in his challenge to incumbent Mayor Jorge Prince, elected in 2020.
