Questions and Answers

Q: What is the Power of YOU program?

A: Power of YOU is a program that makes the first two years of college available tuition-free, if you graduate from a public, charter or alternative high school in Minneapolis or Saint Paul and are a resident of Minneapolis or Saint Paul. The program is a collaboration among Metropolitan State University, Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC), and Saint Paul College that provides access to a broad spectrum of academic programs and career pathways.

Q: What criteria do students need to meet in order to be eligible for the Power of YOU program?

A: Requirements for eligibility in the program are as follows:

• Graduate from a Minneapolis or Saint Paul public high school in Spring 2010
• Reside in either the city of Minneapolis or the city of Saint Paul
• Meet the criteria to apply for federal financial aid
• Meet the admission requirements of the college/university you wish to attend
• Metropolitan State University admissions criteria: must rank in the top 50 percent of your high school class or get a composite score of 21 on the ACT
• Meet placement testing requirements

Q: Do I have to live in Minneapolis or Saint Paul to be eligible for the Power of YOU?

A: Yes. You must be a resident of Minneapolis or Saint Paul as well as a graduate of a Minneapolis or Saint Paul public high school at the time of application.

Q: Do I really have to be a student in a public, charter or alternative high school in the city of Minneapolis or Saint Paul to be eligible for the Power of YOU?

A: Yes. You must be from a public high school in the city of Minneapolis or Saint Paul to be eligible for the program. Students from private high schools are not eligible.

Q: Am I eligible for the Power of YOU if I have been out of high school for a year or more?

A: No. In order to be eligible for the program, you must graduate or have been a student the same year as your fall enrollment.

Q: If I obtain a GED (General Education Diploma/high school diploma equivalency) am I eligible for the Power of YOU?

A: No. At the time of application you must be in your senior year of high school and be expecting to receive your diploma.

Q: Do I have to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form for the Power of YOU?

A: Yes. Eligibility for the Power of YOU requires you to fill out the FAFSA form.

Q: If I qualify for financial aid, what costs will the Power of YOU cover?

A: Federal and State grants are first applied to your tuition and mandatory fees. The Power of YOU will cover any remaining tuition and fee expenses.

Q: Will the Power of YOU program offer anything other than financial assistance?

A: The program will offer an array of services to enable students to achieve their academic and career goals. Some of the services include individualized academic advising, career development services, peer support programs and, social and cultural activities. Additionally, Saint Paul College and Metropolitan State University offer Summer programs to assist students to become familiar with the college faculty and staff, academically prepare students, build relationships with peers and learn more about the connection of college to career options.

Q: Are there any scholarships available to continue my education after completing my first two years in the Power of YOU?

A: Yes. Metropolitan State University is pleased to announce the merit-based Bridge Scholarship opportunity for Power of YOU students completing two years at Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Saint Paul College or Metropolitan State University. The scholarship will allow you to continue your education at Metropolitan State. We will support as many students as possible based on student need and funds available. Also, there are a number of scholarships available to all students that attend Metropolitan State University. To find more information please visit www.metrostate.edu.

Q: How will you choose which students are accepted into the Power of YOU program?

A: The program is a need based program that uses the financial aid process to identify student need. We identify and fund students who have a high need first and then continue funding the rest of the students. We are committed to funding all applicants based on the money available.

Q: How will I find out if I’m accepted into the Power of YOU program?

A:  Students accepted into the Power of YOU program will be notified by mail after the final deadline.

Q: What additional criteria do students need to meet to remain eligible for the Power of YOU program at Saint Paul College?

A: In addition to admissions criteria, these are additional program requirements to remain eligible for the Power of YOU program at Saint Paul College are as follows:

• Attend New Student Orientation and register for Fall Semester 2010 classes
• Enroll in at least 12 credits per term toward a degree, diploma or certificate
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements each term
• Apply for and complete Financial Aid application every year
• Participate in Power of YOU Service Learning/Civic Engagement activities expected at Minneapolis Community and Technical College and Saint Paul College
• Participate in the Summer Empowerment Program at Metropolitan State University