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.
-
Crews responded to a possible sinkhole that turned out to be a structural collapse, and a full basement was found underneath a downtown parking lot.
-
Public campuses facing tighter budgets hope their outreach can keep low- to middle-income students enrolled.
-
DFLer Denise Slipy raised the majority of her funds after the primary. Republican Keri Heintzeman's pace has slowed, but her totals are still far above Slipy's.
-
The proposed measure would help offset the amount of a voter-approved operating levy paid for with local property taxes.
-
As some with the museum weigh a move to St. Paul, those on the Iron Range planning to push back at a rally Saturday.
-
-
KAXE is proud to present the 5th annual Grand Rapids Riverfest lineup to you: Courtney Barnett, Margo Price, Jeremie Albino and Alan Sparhawk!
-
Events this week also include a Hwy 87 construction meeting in Hubbard, astronomy day and Ojibwe Star Wars in Hibbing, CHAIR's grand opening in Virginia and a craft event in Bigfork.
-
Bemidji State University presents the 2nd Annual Earth Day Disc Golf Tournament at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. BSU’s Sustainability Project Manager Jordan Lutz joins the “KAXE Morning Show” to talk more about it.
-
Plus: Rangers will rally to keep the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in Eveleth on Saturday.