The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136F.38, subdivision 3, to expand the eligibility criteria for workforce development scholarships in higher education. It specifies that scholarships will now be awarded to students who are eligible for resident tuition and enrolled in various programs of study, including a newly added area of cybersecurity. The previous list of eligible programs has been updated to reflect this addition, with the former item (11) being renumbered to (12).

Additionally, the bill allows each institution to identify one additional area of study or certification that addresses a workforce shortage specific to their region, based on data from the Department of Employment and Economic Development. This area can be updated every two years, ensuring that the scholarship program remains responsive to changing job market needs. The eligibility requirements for students include being enrolled for at least nine credits in a two-year college or a four-year university within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 136F.38