One out of five college students in Minnesota receives need-based grants that are paid for by the state government. These Minnesota State Grant awards are critically important now, with so many families hit financially by COVID-19.
That’s why I’m asking you to help make sure Minnesota lawmakers understand how important these grants are. the university is working with the Minnesota Private College Council to ensure students’ voices are heard. The first step? Answer a few quick questions to register at mnprivatecolleges.org/voices. Then you’ll be invited to take some simple steps, including writing notes, recording a video or being on a Zoom call with lawmakers who represent you.
I ask you to consider getting involved and speaking up with lawmakers about the importance of these grants. Start by registering at mnprivatecolleges.org/voices. PLEASE DO SO NO LATER THAN FEBRUARY 13, 2022.
Background
Last year 330 students at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota received a State Grant award. Those grants have such a big impact for so many students. And that’s why it is important that we help lawmakers understand the importance of investing in the Minnesota State Grant Program. And we will ask them to make the grants larger. You can learn more about the importance of the Minnesota State Grant program here, as well as more about what it means to students at Saint Mary’s.
Students from Saint Mary’s can’t make the trip to the Capitol to meet in-person with lawmakers, as they have in the past. But you can still ensure your voices are heard. By signing up for Student Voices 2022, you’ll be invited to reach out to lawmakers, including through writing notes or sending a video. You’ll hear more about the issue and the challenges we’re facing in Minnesota. And we’d love to have you join in zoom calls with your hometown lawmakers, meaning those who represent the communities where you grew up or if you’re not from Minnesota, where our campus is.
Act now
Think about the impact of need-based grants in your own life or for students you know. Then sign up for Student Voices 2022. Minnesota’s lawmakers need to hear the perspectives and experiences that college students like you can share. Students from 16 other private colleges and universities will be taking part as well. Sign-up online at mnprivatecolleges.org/voices by February 13, 2022.
Take this step now. The Council will be setting up zoom meetings for students with their lawmakers. And that scheduling can’t start until they hear from you.
Ann Merchlewitz, Senior Vice President and General Counsel
