[ST. PAUL, MN] – Today, Governor Tim Walz and Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan joined Minnesota Office of Higher Education Assistant Commissioner Wendy Robinson at Inver Hills Community College to highlight how the state is working to expand economic opportunities and make higher education accessible to all Minnesota students. This visit comes after Governor Walz travelled to the Iron Range to meet with two major employers that are expanding economic opportunity and creating jobs on the Range.

“We're working to expand economic opportunity by making higher education more accessible for students across the state,” said Governor Walz. “Today is another exciting reminder of the work we are doing to expand opportunities for Minnesotans and keep moving our state forward.”

“The Direct Admissions program works to reduce equity gaps in education and provides students with the support they need to pursue higher education – no matter what that looks like to them,” said Lieutenant Governor Flanagan. “ It is through programs like these that we are investing in a brighter future and expanding economic opportunities for young people in Minnesota.”

Last week, Governor Walz announced that the Minnesota Office of Higher Education (OHE) is launching Direct Admissions, a new program designed to promote college access. The program ensures that graduating high school students know they qualify for admission to a variety of Minnesota colleges and universities. The program also eliminates the application fee for participating colleges and universities.

Significant disparities in educational attainment exist for Minnesota's Black, Indigenous, and other communities of color. Direct Admissions has potential to reduce equity gaps by providing important college-going information to high school students and eliminating the need for extensive college-going knowledge to navigate the complex college admissions process. The program aims to reduce self-selection bias and reduce equity gaps in college enrollment using three strategies:

• Connecting students, families, and schools with colleges and universities earlier, giving families time to consider their options and plan
• Easing the transition from high school to college
• Showing students that they have access to a certificate, associate degree, or bachelor's degree if they choose to further their education

Direct Admissions Minnesota is a partnership project between K-12 and higher education, led by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education. Funding was secured by the 2021 Minnesota Legislative session.

For more information, visit the Office of Higher Education website at www.ohe.mn.us/directadmissions.