Student Parent Support Initiative Now Accepting Proposals

St. Paul, Minn.—The Office of Higher Education (OHE) is now accepting proposals for the Minnesota Student Parent Support Initiative (SPSI). This competitive grant program, administered in partnership with the Minnesota Department of Health, allows eligible entities and institutions to apply for funds to develop and implement services and programs that would support the unique needs of parenting students across the state. Grants can be used to offer services to support the academic goals, health, and well-being of student parents. 

Funding

In anticipation of continued state appropriations to SPSI during the 2025 legislative session, OHE estimates that $2,662,000 will be appropriated for SPSI grants in Fiscal Year 2026. The maximum grant amount is $250,000 for the year. This is subject to change based on the outcomes of the 2025 legislative session.

What Services are Eligible?

• Program development costs (including staff salaries); 
• Costs related to the start-up of on-campus child care; 
• Health and Wellness activities for pregnant and parenting students and/or their children
• Evaluation and data collection; and 
• Direct financial assistance to pregnant and parenting students including: 
  • Scholarships
  • Basic needs support (food, housing, diapers, and other support that is not an emergency grant)
  • Emergency grants as defined by Federal Student Aid and 
  • Expenses related to child care. 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Eligible grant applicants are institutions/organizations located within Minnesota and fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Minnesota postsecondary institutions
• Professional organizations
• Community-based organizations
• Political Subdivisions
• Tribal Sovereign Nations
• Child Care Providers

Please note that current SPSI grantees are ineligible to apply this funding cycle.

2025 Grant Timeline

• April 21, 2025 – Request for proposals available
• May 5, 2025 – Virtual proposal workshop
• 4:00 p.m. May 29, 2025 – Proposal submission deadline

For more information, full eligibility requirements, deadlines or to find the Request for Proposal, visit the OHE website or email [email protected].

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