Minnesota Office of Higher Education Commissioner visits Red Lake

Larry Pogemiller, commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, heard from students, teachers and administrators during his visit Wednesday to Red Lake Nation College. He wanted to hear about what is and isn't working at their school. The commissioner was at Leech Lake Tribal College on Tuesday.

Red Lake College President Dan King hosted the event, where Pogemiller had several conversation with students and staff there, and later that afternoon they stopped at the Red Lake High School, where he was introduced to the School Board and administration.

The Minnesota Office of Higher Education is a cabinet-level state agency providing students with financial aid programs and information to help them gain access to postsecondary education. The agency also serves as the state's clearinghouse for data, research and analysis on postsecondary enrollment, financial aid, finance and trends.

The Minnesota State Grant Program is the largest financial aid program administered by the Office of Higher Education, awarding up to $180 million in need-based grants to Minnesota residents attending eligible colleges, universities and career schools in Minnesota. The agency oversees other state scholarship programs, tuition reciprocity programs, a student loan program, Minnesota's 529 College Savings Plan, licensing and an early college awareness program and initiatives for youth.

For more information on the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, visit their website here: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/