By Cece Sauer / Asst. News Director

ST. CLOUD, Minn. — A Minnesota Department of Education Pipeline Grant for $370K has been awarded to St. Cloud State University

Current or prospective students who are interested in becoming a future school counselor may be eligible for up to $400 per credit in tuition assistance over the next two years.

“Minnesota has had a gap in underrepresented counselors of color for many years; the state has recognized that, and this grant is one way to address that gap,” said director of SCSU’s school counseling graduate program, Dr. Bill Lepkowski.

Dr. Tina Sacin, a professor and director of the clinical mental health counseling graduate program, said there is a nationally recommended ratio from the American School Counselor Association of 250 students per school counselor.

Minnesota is currently at a ratio of 541:1.

SCSU is hoping that this grant will aid in lowering Minnesota’s ratio as well as stopping the shortage of school counselors.

Students who are interested in this grant can fill out an online form to learn more about assistance for school counseling graduate students in 2026-27.