Members of the Concordia University-St. Paul Student Senate made their voices heard at the Minnesota State Capitol, meeting with legislators and state senators to advocate for continued funding of the Minnesota State Grant program.
The Student Senate team engaged directly with lawmakers on behalf of the students who rely on the grant to afford their education, a program that has become increasingly critical as funding pressures mount across the state.
The Minnesota State Grant is a need-based financial aid program, designed to help low- and moderate-income students cover the cost of attending eligible Minnesota colleges and universities. The program was first established in 1969 and in Fiscal Year 2023 awarded approximately $215 million in grants to approximately 67,584 students.
The timing of the Senate’s advocacy comes as the program faces significant financial strain. A new $131 million funding shortfall has emerged in the Minnesota State Grant program, and starting next fall, grants could be cut by more than 30% if the Legislature does not act to address the shortfall.
The Student Senate described the experience as both impactful and energizing, noting the importance of bringing a student perspective directly to the people making funding decisions. The team emphasized that their advocacy was aimed at being a voice for all students who depend on the grant to make higher education accessible and affordable.
