Committee backs competitive grants to improve college persistence; College Possible testifies

The committee recommended Senate File 2330, a competitive grant program that would fund coaching, advising and wraparound student supports intended to increase persistence and degree completion.

BJ Tucker, executive director of College Possible Minnesota, described the nonprofits model of multi-year coaching and campus-based advising and said investing in supports improves enrollment and graduation rates for low-income students. "Students also need help navigating the system," Tucker said, summarizing testimony that financial aid alone is not enough to ensure completion.

Student alumni and program staff described individualized advising, help with deadlines and financial-aid renewal, and continued coaching after enrollment. The committee recommended the bill and referred it to the Senate Finance Committee.