Special Programs
Many state colleges and universities offer special programs to help students succeed. These programs 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.
Fire/EMS/Safety Training
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.
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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
