Grant through Minnesota Z-Degree Project will boost Minnesota West

Minnesota West Community and Technical College has been awarded a $50,000 Expansion Grant through the Minnesota State Z‑Degree Project, supporting the college’s continued leadership in Open Educational Resources (OER) and zero-textbook-cost degree pathways.

The grant, announced by Michael Olesen, Interim System Director for Student Success Technologies, recognizes Minnesota West’s strong, faculty‑led efforts to reduce the cost of college while enhancing student learning.

The successful proposal was driven by faculty and staff -- Daniel Bernstrom, Heidi Tarus, and Kip Thorson -- with instructional leadership. The Expansion Grant will support the continued growth of zero-textbook-cost courses, updates to existing OER materials, expanded faculty participation, and the strengthening of sustainable, no‑cost learning resources across disciplines.

The Minnesota State Z‑Degree initiative allows students to complete a degree without paying for textbooks or course materials. Launched in response to rising textbook costs, the initiative directly supports Minnesota State’s Equity 2030 goal of closing educational gaps by making college more affordable and accessible.

Since its inception, the statewide initiative has saved students more than $12.6 million, with annual savings exceeding $3.1 million in the most recent academic year.