Grant for student mentoring program through Students Together Respecting the Importance and Purpose of Education in Schools (STRIPES) program established, report required, and money appropriated.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Max Rymer

HF 4985 creates the STRIPES mentoring program in Minnesota, funding it to expand student mentoring and develop university partnerships for a teacher-pathway and culturally responsi

Introduction and first reading, referred to Education Finance

#appropriations #educationandeducationdepartment

Purpose and intent

HF 4985 establishes a state-granted program called STRIPES (Students Together Respecting the Importance and Purpose of Education in Schools) to support student mentoring. The bill allocates funds from the general fund to the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE) to operate and expand a mentoring program in partnership with teachers, families, community members, and business leaders. It also aims to develop university partnerships to create a teacher-pathway program for students from unique backgrounds and to promote culturally responsive classrooms.

Key provisions

Appropriation and program funding

Creates an appropriation from the general fund to the Department of Education for the STRIPES mentoring program.
Amount: $1,200,000 for the fiscal year 2027.
Effective date: The section becomes effective the day after final enactment.

Grant scope and uses (Subdivision 3)

The grant funds must be used for a mentoring program that partners with:
Teachers
Parents
Community members
Business leaders
Authorized activities include:
Facilitating weekly mentoring meetings for students.
Supporting program operations in five existing schools.
Expanding programming into additional schools.
Developing partnerships with universities to create a teacher-pathway program targeting students with unique backgrounds to enter the teaching profession.
Working with teachers statewide to create culturally responsive classrooms.

Reporting requirement (Subdivision 4)

By January 15, 2028, the grant recipient must submit a report detailing:
Grant-funded activities.
Number of students served and mentor participants.
Description of programs offered or expanded using grant funds.
Partnerships developed with teachers and universities.
Other relevant metrics related to program participation and success.
The report must be submitted to:
The Commissioner of Education
The chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees with jurisdiction over K-12 education.

Who is affected

Primary beneficiaries: Minnesota K-12 students participating in the STRIPES mentoring program.

Participating partners: Teachers, parents, community members, business leaders, and university partners involved in mentoring, program development, and the teacher-pathway initiative.

Educational institutions: Five existing schools initially, with potential expansion to additional schools.

State agencies/legislature: MDE administers the program and reports to the Legislature for oversight and evaluation.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the House Education Finance Committee on April 16, 2026.

Funding timeline: Appropriation set at $1,200,000 for the fiscal year 2027.

Reporting timeline: A comprehensive program report is due by January 15, 2028.

Effective date: The appropriation and related provisions take effect the day after final enactment.

Notes

The bill does not specify the number of mentors or the specific criteria for selecting participating students.

It emphasizes partnerships across schools, higher education, and community sectors to promote mentoring and culturally responsive education.

The focus on a teacher-pathway program suggests a broader aim of diversifying and strengthening the teaching workforce.

Bill