MinnesotaCAN Quarterly Meeting Recap: Building Momentum for College Attainment in Minnesota
On August 5, Minnesota College Attainment Network (MinnesotaCAN) members gathered for the organization's quarterly meeting to reconnect, learn from statewide and national experts, and discuss emerging opportunities and challenges in college access, affordability, and workforce development. For members who were unable to attend, the meeting highlighted MinnesotaCAN's evolving vision, major policy developments, and important trends shaping the future of higher education in Minnesota.
MinnesotaCAN: A Renewed Focus and Stronger Network
The meeting opened with an update on MinnesotaCAN's recent organizational work. Over the past six months, the network has taken an intentional step back to assess its capacity, clarify its goals, expand outreach efforts, and strengthen its foundation. These efforts have reinforced MinnesotaCAN's role as a statewide connector that helps adapt national best practices to Minnesota's unique educational landscape.
MinnesotaCAN reaffirmed its mission to empower Minnesota's diverse students, especially those facing barriers to educational access, through collaboration, advocacy, and innovative solutions that support postsecondary attainment and family-sustaining careers. The network's work is centered on three priorities:
Aligning organizations and stakeholders across the state
Providing professional development and shared learning opportunities
Advocating for systems and policy changes that improve student outcomes and equity
Members also heard about several upcoming opportunities, including:
Regular quarterly meetings
A new monthly newsletter
An Advocacy Day planned for early 2027
MinnesotaCAN's first annual conference, anticipated for Fall 2027
NCAN membership discount
Understanding Workforce Pell: A New Federal Opportunity
The first keynote presentation was delivered by Magnus Noble, Midwest Policy Fellow with the National College Attainment Network (NCAN), who provided an overview of the new Workforce Pell program.
Created through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, Workforce Pell expands Pell Grant eligibility to certain short-term workforce training programs beginning July 1, 2026. The goal is to help more learners access training in high-demand industries while maintaining pathways to longer-term credentials.
Key takeaways included:
Eligible programs must lead to stackable, portable credentials.
Programs must be tied to high-wage, in-demand occupations.
Institutions must meet strict completion and job placement requirements, including the so-called "70/70 Rule" requiring at least 70% completion and employment outcomes.
Students with bachelor's degrees may qualify if they still have Pell eligibility remaining.
States play a significant role in approving programs and verifying workforce demand.
Minnesota's Office of Higher Education has already established an application process, with institutions submitting documentation demonstrating employer demand, credential portability, and workforce outcomes. As of the meeting, Minnesota had identified 21 eligible occupations for Workforce Pell consideration.
While Workforce Pell presents exciting possibilities, Noble noted several challenges. The number of approved programs may remain relatively small, award amounts could vary significantly, and research is still developing regarding long-term employment outcomes. Participants were encouraged to continue advising students on the benefits of traditional degree pathways while monitoring Workforce Pell implementation.
State of College and Career Readiness in Minnesota
The second keynote featured Dr. Wendy Robinson, Assistant Commissioner for Program, Policy, and Grants at the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE). Her presentation provided a broad update on higher education trends, financial aid policy, and student perspectives across Minnesota.
Encouraging Enrollment Trends
Minnesota continues to see positive enrollment growth across major sectors, including the University of Minnesota system, Minnesota State, and private colleges. The state's Direct Admissions initiative also continues to expand, reaching more than 250 high schools and over 40,000 seniors in its fourth cohort. OHE reported encouraging increases in FAFSA completion, college enrollment, and the number of students choosing Minnesota institutions.
Reimagining State Financial Aid
One of the most significant discussions centered on Minnesota's exploration of a redesigned state financial aid system. OHE is examining ways to improve transparency, predictability, and effectiveness while mitigating risks associated with federal policy changes. The redesign process will involve stakeholder engagement, surveys, focus groups, and model testing before any legislative proposal is developed.
Implementing the College Financing Literacy Act
Participants also learned about implementation of the College Financing Literacy Act, passed during the 2025 legislative session. The law requires institutions participating in Minnesota's state aid programs to use standardized financial aid offer forms and common terminology.
The initiative responds to significant confusion among students and families about college costs, financial aid awards, loans, and payment responsibilities. OHE shared feedback from parents who described difficulty comparing offers across institutions and understanding what they would ultimately owe.
The standardized forms will include:
Clear breakdowns of direct and indirect costs
Grants and scholarships
Net price calculations
Loan information and repayment resources
Information about payment plans and next steps
Resources for students with dependent children
A draft version of the form is expected to be available for public feedback by September 1, 2026.
What Students Are Telling Us
Dr. Robinson also shared several important insights from recent student surveys:
Many students remain unaware of state financial aid programs such as North Star Promise.
A significant number of students who skip FAFSA completion do so because they incorrectly assume they will not qualify for aid.
Cost is not always the primary reason students delay college enrollment.
Many students who postpone enrollment still expect to attend college later.
Dual enrollment remains popular because students view it as both a cost-saving strategy and a way to prepare for college.
These findings reinforce the continued importance of outreach, advising, affordability messaging, and helping students understand their options beyond high school.
Looking Ahead
MinnesotaCAN's next quarterly meeting will be held virtually on December 9 and will focus on Data and Affordability. In the meantime, members are encouraged to stay connected through the network's new newsletter, LinkedIn presence, and upcoming professional development opportunities.
For updates, resources, or to share ideas for future programming, members can contact MNCollegeAttainmentNetwork@gmail.com.
