2024-25 Minnesota Student Teacher Grants application now open

6/11/2024

 

[SAINT PAUL, MN] – In an effort to support both new teachers and those working to become teachers, the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) opened applications for two student teacher grants and the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program. These programs play a critical role in supporting the next generation of teachers in Minnesota.

Minnesota Student Teacher Grants

The Minnesota Student Teachers in Shortage Areas Grant (STSA) is available to eligible students who intend to teach in a license shortage area or rural school district after graduating and receiving their teaching license. In 2023, 107 students received awards. The amount of funding awarded was $685,000, with the average award amount being $6,401.

The Minnesota Underrepresented Student Teacher Grant (USTG) is available to eligible students who belong to a racial or ethnic group underrepresented in the Minnesota teacher workforce. In 2023, 119 students received awards. The amount of funding awarded was $693,306, with the average award amount being $5,826.

To apply for the 2024-2025 Student Teacher Grants, visit the MNAid Student Portal. If you need more information on eligibility and how to apply, OHE has also put together a guide for applicants. While recipients could receive up to $7,500, award amounts are based on funds availability. 

Minnesota Student Teacher Grants Priority Application Deadlines:

• Fall 2024: July 26, 2024
• Spring 2025: November 8, 2024
• Summer 2025: April 18, 2025

Applications will still be accepted after the priority deadlines, but eligible students will most likely be placed on the waitlist. To learn more, visit the Minnesota Student Teacher Grants webpage or click here to view a fact sheet about Minnesota Student Teacher Grants.

Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program

The Minnesota Teacher Shortage Student Loan Repayment Program provides student loan repayment assistance to eligible teachers providing classroom instruction in Minnesota. The purpose of the program is to encourage eligible teachers, particularly those who belong to a race or ethnicity underrepresented in the MN teacher workforce, to teach in Minnesota. In 2023, 175 students received loan repayment, with the average award being $997.

Awards for this program are not made on a first-come, first-served basis. Eligible applicants who belong to a race or ethnicity underrepresented in the MN teacher workforce are awarded first. To the extent funds are available, eligible applicants who teach in a designated teacher shortage area or who teach in a rural school district will be awarded based on a prioritization process. Eligible applicants will be notified if they are selected for application review in October, with awards being disbursed in spring 2025.

To learn more the program, eligibility, selection process, and how to apply, visit the Minnesota Teacher Shortage Loan Repayment Program webpage.