The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 136F.38, subdivision 3, to expand the eligibility criteria for workforce development scholarships in higher education. It introduces a new area of study, cybersecurity, as an eligible program for scholarship awards, which is added as item (11) in the list of eligible programs. Additionally, the bill allows each institution to include one more 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 job vacancy survey.

The eligibility requirements for students remain focused on those enrolled in programs that require resident tuition and at least nine credits in a two-year college or a four-year university within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system. The bill also stipulates that institutions can update their chosen area of study or certification every two years based on new job vacancy data, ensuring that the scholarship programs remain relevant to current workforce needs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 136F.38