Committee hears testimony on competitive grants to expand youth nature‑based mental‑health programs Lawmakers laid over House File 41‑98, a bill to create a competitive grant framework at MDE for community organizations that provide after‑school and summer nature‑based mental‑health programming. Testimony came from Camp Fire Minnesota, youth board members and community partners advocating for equitable scholarship support.

Minnesota lawmakers are taking a crucial step towards enhancing youth mental health by considering competitive grants for nature-based programming, but will it be enough to support those in need?

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#MN #CitizenPortal #YouthMentalHealth #NatureBasedProgramming #MinnesotaStudents

Bipartisan bill would create interagency council on student attendance; amendment adds metro/greater Minnesota youth seats House File 35‑85, proposing an interagency council to coordinate statewide attendance efforts, was laid over as amended. Testimony from advocates, foundations, MDE and students stressed chronic absenteeism is driven by housing, health, transport and community factors and urged lived‑experience representation.

A new bipartisan bill in Minnesota aims to tackle chronic absenteeism by forming an interagency council, but advocates are demanding stronger youth representation to ensure every voice is heard.

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#MN #ChronicAbsenteeism #CitizenPortal #EducationAccess #MinnesotaStudents

Rep. Feist seeks to close student lease loophole allowing short‑month rent charges; bill laid over House File 4443 would close a loophole landlords use to avoid prorating rent for short‑term leases affecting students. Student government and University legal services testified; the committee laid the bill over for further review.

Minnesota lawmakers are taking a stand against unfair rental practices that leave students paying full rent for just a few days of occupancy!

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#MN #StudentLegalSupport #CitizenPortal #RentersRights #HousingFairness #MinnesotaStudents

Committee approves STAR Act to limit state and local cooperation with federal immigration enforcement Senate File 4176 (the STAR Act) passed the committee on a roll call (6 ayes, 4 noes, 2 excused). Sponsors said the bill would protect 'sensitive locations' such as schools and hospitals, create a state civil cause of action, and codify Plyler v. Doe protections; many immigrant-rights and health experts testified in support.

A groundbreaking bill in Minnesota aims to protect sensitive locations from federal immigration enforcement, ensuring safety for all communities—especially in schools and healthcare settings.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #MinnesotaStudents #ImmigrationRights #HealthAccess

ECMC and Achieve Twin Cities present 'Discover Your Future' career‑exploration framework and pilot ECMC Group and Achieve Twin Cities outlined 'Discover Your Future' (D Y F), a three‑part statewide career‑exploration framework built with young adults and employers; testifiers cited pilot outcomes, employer survey data, 27,000 disconnected youth in the Twin Cities and private investment commitments to scale pilots.

ECMC Group and Achieve Twin Cities are revolutionizing career exploration for high school students with their innovative 'Discover Your Future' framework, aiming to bridge the gap between education and workforce readiness.

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#MN #CareerExploration #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaStudents

Youth‑backed bill would create statewide digital platform for workforce opportunities; committee approves author's amendment and lays the bill over Lawmakers heard testimony from young leaders and advocates on House File 3004 to create a centralized digital platform for internships, apprenticeships and entry‑level jobs. The committee approved an A3 author's amendment converting a direct appropriation to a competitive grant and laid the bill over for further budget consideration.

A new bill aims to revolutionize access to internships and job opportunities for Minnesota's youth by creating a centralized digital platform—could this be the game-changer they need?

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#MN #AccessToOpportunities #CitizenPortal #YouthEmpowerment #MinnesotaStudents

Campus leaders describe enrollment hits, surging basic‑needs demand after metro enforcement Minnesota State presidents and system leaders reported enrollment and attendance disruptions tied to recent ICE activity, with colleges expanding counseling, emergency grants and flexible instruction; student groups said system messaging must reach individual students.

Recent immigration enforcement has drastically altered college life in Minnesota, leading to rising demand for basic needs and a worrying drop in enrollment.

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#MN #StudentCommunication #CitizenPortal #EnrollmentChallenges #BasicNeedSupport #MinnesotaStudents

Trustees debate tuition standardization after student and president testimony; no vote taken Trustees heard students and campus presidents testify about tuition standardization and the allocation framework; discussion centered on a systemwide average increase range (5.5%–7%), equity impacts for students and regional program needs; trustees asked for more data before setting final tuition guidance.

As tuition debates heat up, students voice urgent concerns over affordability while trustees grapple with the complex implications of standardization.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation #TuitionReform #MinnesotaStudents #EducationAccess

University Regents Hear Student Demands to Bar ICE Staging; President Outlines Legal, Support and Security Steps Students told the Board of Regents they want immediate action to prevent ICE from using campus for enforcement operations. President Joan (as identified in transcript) said the university is "listening carefully" and outlined four steps including legal aid, security measures, and targeted support for students.

University students are demanding immediate action to keep federal immigration enforcement off campus, and the administration is stepping up with crucial support measures.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #StudentSupport #ImmigrationEnforcement #MinnesotaStudents #CampusSafety

#Breaking #MinnesotaStudents

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State analyst tells McLeod County commissioners students are central to workforce strategy Luke Greiner, a labor market analyst with the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, told McLeod County commissioners on Feb. 3 that slower labor‑force growth and a growing mismatch between student career interests and local jobs mean counties should coordinate schools and employers to keep and prepare local students for available work.

Students hold the key to McLeod County's workforce future, but a disconnect between their career interests and available jobs could spell trouble for local employers.

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#MN #CareerExploration #CitizenPortal #EconomicGrowth #MinnesotaStudents #WorkforceDevelopment

Minnesota students are using winter break to reflect on whether college is still worth the cost, debt, and uncertainty surrounding career outcomes.

👉🏾 Read the full story on our website. buff.ly/brJwsmK

#HigherEducation #CollegeCosts #MinnesotaStudents #EducationPolicy

Student representative urges pause, more communication on Gemini AI Chromebook rollout Student rep Dean told the board students want careful planning and clearer communication before the district implements Gemini AI on Chromebooks in February, saying rushed rollout risks increased cheating and reduced learning quality.

Students are urging the school board to pause the rollout of Gemini AI on Chromebooks, warning that a rushed implementation could undermine learning and promote apathy.

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#MN #MinnesotaStudents #AIEthics #StudentVoice #EducationInnovation #CitizenPortal

BEST transition program and Project SEARCH give ISD 191 students hands-on work experience and improving employment outcomes The Burnsville Eagan Savage Transition (BEST) program and Project SEARCH internships provide in-house and community job sites; presenters reported strong post-program employment outcomes (about 70% employment for recent interns) and wide community partnerships.

Discover how the BEST program and Project SEARCH are transforming the futures of students with disabilities through hands-on work experiences and community partnerships in Minnesota!

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#MN #CitizenPortal #CommunityEngagement #WorkforceDevelopment #MinnesotaStudents

Student leaders urge board to address basic needs, announce advocacy events Student leaders from LEAD Minnesota and Students United told the board they observed growing basic-needs insecurity on campuses and outlined advocacy plans, including a joint November conference and calls to preserve and expand hunger-free campus grants.

Minnesota State students are facing alarming basic needs insecurities, and student leaders are rallying for urgent actions and advocacy to combat hunger and housing instability.

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#MN #StudentAffordability #CitizenPortal #FoodSecurity #MinnesotaStudents #BasicNeeds

REACH program transforms lives of at-risk students in Hutchinson schools Students and staff share impactful stories of support and growth through the REACH program.

The REACH program is transforming the lives of at-risk students in Hutchinson schools, providing them not just a lifeline, but a true sense of belonging.

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#MN #YouthSupport #CitizenPortal #MentalHealth #CommunityEmpowerment #MinnesotaStudents

State panel debates impact of negative SAI on vulnerable students' financial aid Testimony reveals confusion over financial aid statistics affecting low-income student support.

A heated debate in Minnesota reveals alarming discrepancies in financial aid data that could jeopardize support for vulnerable students—what will this mean for their futures?

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#MN #FinancialAid #CitizenPortal #StudentVulnerability #EducationPolicy #MinnesotaStudents

Minnesota Senate debates North Star Promise funding and its impact on students Senators discuss financial aid adjustments for Minnesota State students under North Star Promise.

The Minnesota Legislature is at a crossroads, debating crucial changes to the North Star Promise program that could drastically impact financial aid for students from low-income families.

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#MN #FinancialAid #CitizenPortal #EquityInEducation #HigherEducation #MinnesotaStudents

Minnesota lawmakers debate budget cuts to higher education and support programs Representatives propose amendments to restore funding for critical education and support initiatives.

Minnesota's House has just approved a groundbreaking $4 billion budget aimed at transforming higher education and supporting vulnerable students—will this be the turning point they need?

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#MN #MinnesotaStudents #EducationFunding #CitizenPortal #StudentSupport #FosterYouth

Minnesota lawmakers debate amendment targeting undocumented students in North Star Promise Representatives oppose amendment that would exclude undocumented students from educational support.

Minnesota lawmakers have approved a groundbreaking $4 billion budget for higher education, sparking intense debate over inclusivity for all students, regardless of immigration status.

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#MN #HigherEducation #ImmigrationPolicy #MinnesotaStudents #InclusivityInEducation

State program projects $8M in awards for 700 students in fiscal year 2025 Projected awards for 700 students in fiscal 2025 total $8 million amid funding discussions.

Minnesota's Higher Education Committee projects an impressive $8 million in financial aid for 700 students in fiscal year 2025, highlighting a crucial need for continued support in higher education.

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#MN #HigherEducation #FinancialAid #MinnesotaStudents #CitizenPortal

Kalika Rogers advocates Minnesota youth opioid education bill to combat overdose crisis Rogers urges inclusion of House file 2023 for opioid recognition training in schools.

Minnesota's youth are rallying for a groundbreaking bill that could transform how schools tackle the opioid crisis, aiming to equip students with lifesaving knowledge and skills.

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#MN #PublicHealth #OpioidEducation #CitizenPortal #EducationReform #MinnesotaStudents

Minnesota Youth Council advocates for student-administered Narcan in schools Cecena Guntipalli urges policy change to allow students to carry Narcan at schools.

Students in Minnesota are pushing for the right to carry Narcan in schools, aiming to empower their peers to save lives amidst the opioid crisis.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #YouthEmpowerment #MinnesotaStudents #PublicSafety #OpioidCrisis

Minnesota Senate proposes regulations for student banking practices in higher education Minnesota Senate introduces bill to set standards for student banking account services.

A groundbreaking bill in Minnesota aims to protect students from predatory banking practices, potentially reshaping their financial futures and promoting financial literacy.

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#MN #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #FinancialLiteracy #MinnesotaStudents #StudentBanking

Senator Clark advocates for grocery store to support University of Minnesota students Senator Clark highlights need for affordable food options for University of Minnesota students

Senator Clark is pushing for a grocery store in Dinkytown to tackle student food insecurity and ensure no one has to choose between their education and their nutrition.

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#MN #FoodInsecurity #CitizenPortal #MinnesotaStudents #StudentSupport #HigherEducation

Senator Croon highlights school healthcare changes in closing bill comments Senator Croon thanks co-authors and discusses changes in school insulin administration.

Senator Croon is pushing for a groundbreaking bill to ensure students with diabetes receive vital healthcare support outside of school, highlighting a pressing need for change.

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#MN #ChronicConditions #YouthSupport #HealthcareAccess #MinnesotaStudents #CitizenPortal

Senator Croon highlights insulin administration gap during bill discussion Senator Croon emphasizes critical insulin administration gap exposed after Kenzie's school experience.

Senator Croon reveals a shocking healthcare gap for students with diabetes, spotlighting the urgent need for legislative changes to support those like Kenzie.

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#MN #LegislativeAction #HealthcareAccess #StudentSupport #MinnesotaStudents #CitizenPortal

Minnesota mandates support for pregnant and parenting college students Minnesota state colleges must allow leave and early registration for pregnant or parenting students.

Minnesota's groundbreaking House Bill 2312 is set to revolutionize the academic journey for pregnant and parenting students, ensuring they can thrive without sacrificing their education.

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#ME #EducationAccess #InclusionInEducation #SupportivePolicies #MinnesotaStudents

Minnesota Legislature funds $3M global competency training pilot program for nonprofits Minnesota allocates $3 million for nonprofits to train students in global competency skills.

Minnesota's Senate Bill 2364 is set to revolutionize workforce development by investing $3 million in global competency training for students, ensuring they thrive in a competitive job market.

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#MN #CitizenPortal #EducationInnovation #WorkforceDevelopment #MinnesotaStudents

Minnesota Legislature approves $750K for Youth Council grants in education finance bill Legislature allocates funding for Minnesota Youth Council activities in upcoming fiscal years.

Minnesota's new Senate Bill 2245 could revolutionize youth engagement by allocating $750K to empower young voices in shaping their futures.

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#MN #CivicEngagement #EducationFunding #MinnesotaStudents #YouthEmpowerment #CitizenPortal