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Special programs offer extra services

Many state colleges and universities offer extra services to help students succeed. For example, if your parents didn't attend college, programs such as TRiO Minnesota can help you get started successfully. They can help you sharpen your writing skills, learn study techniques and get organized to make the best use of your time. Tutors and special study classes also may be available for some class topics. Some special programs are listed below; you can find out about more special programs at the admissions office.

Alliss educational foundation grant
The Alliss grant is an opportunity grant, designed to help adult learners begin college or return to college. The grant is not based on family income and is available to all new Minnesota community college students who qualify. Grants are available to start school any term.

eFolio Minnesota
eFolio Minnesota is a multimedia electronic portfolio designed to help students create a living showcase of their education, career and personal achievements. All Minnesota residents, including students enrolled in Minnesota schools, educators and others can use eFolio Minnesota to reach their career and education goals.

GPS LifePlan (FWD)
GPS LifePlan (FWD) helps veterans set educational and life goals that will lead them to the success they desire. This program has the flexibility to be used by students of all ages and at all stages. Explore the web site to learn more about the five Plans (Career, Education, Finance, Leadership and Personal) and discover how they might help you.

Fire/EMS/Safety Center
The Minnesota State Colleges and Universities' Fire/EMS/Safety Center provides statewide fire, emergency medical service and environmental health and safety training and education to state colleges and universities with fire, EMS and environmental health and safety training/education programs, statewide fire fighting and EMS services and the general public with an interest in life and property safety.

Information for international students
Minnesota State Colleges and Universities offer hundreds of choices: economics to engineering, management to multimedia, philosophy to pre-law, computer science to cabinetmaking, culinary arts to performing arts. Diversity is valued, and Minnesota State Colleges and Universities include people of all ethnic cultures, skills, interests and experiences. Meeting people from a variety of backgrounds is a great way to learn.

Minnesota Online Military Services
Whether you are active duty, retired, in the states, or abroad, Minnesota Online degrees, diploma programs, certificates, and courses can help you reach your military, professional, and educational-no matter where your duty takes you.

MyMilitaryEducation.Org
Front page of www.mymilitaryeducation.org web page The Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, Higher Education Veterans Program has developed an extensive information and resource site. This Web site offers over 150 Frequently Asked Questions to assist Minnesota Veterans with topics ranging from military education benefits to military family resources, getting ready for college and many more items. Additionally, features such as Live Chat and Ask A Question are available along with telephone assistance seven days a week from the online support center staff.

Post-Secondary Enrollment Option (PSEO)
Earn college credits in high school. High school juniors and seniors can receive both high school and college credit for college-level courses completed through the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options program, also known as PSEO. In 2005, almost 19,000 students took college-level courses through PSEO programs offered by the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities.

You may take courses on a campus or, where available, at your high school at no cost to you as long as you also earn high school credit. To learn more, ask your high school counselor or the admissions office at the college or university you want to attend.

State student associations
The Minnesota State College Student Association (MSCSA) and the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) work to ensure accessible, quality and affordable public higher education while providing students with representation, leadership development and communication across the state.

Study abroad opportunities
Have you ever wanted to live in a castle? St. Cloud State University students have the opportunity to study and live in Alnwick Castle in Alnwick, England. Minnesota state colleges and universities offer dozens of opportunities to study in places like England, China, Costa Rica, Taiwan, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, France and more. Semesters abroad, exchange programs and short-term travel opportunities tied to specific courses and programs are offered at many state colleges and universities. Check with campus admissions offices for more information on study abroad programs at schools in the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system.

TRiO Minnesota Programs
While student financial aid programs help students overcome financial barriers to higher education, TRiO Minnesota programs help students overcome class, social and cultural barriers to higher education. TRiO Minnesota now includes six outreach and support programs to assist low-income, first-generation college students. The programs also serve students with disabilities to help them successfully progress from middle school to the post-baccalaureate level.

You should contact the college or university you are most interested in attending to find out more about these and other opportunities that might be available to you.

Last updated: 12/08