Application open for Minn. 'Dream Act' financial aid

Officials from the Minnesota Office of Higher Education will hold a workshop at Augsburg College Monday for students applying for financial aid under the state's new Dream Act.

The act became law in May. A week ago, Minnesota launched its online application for students living illegally in the state who are seeking financial aid.

State financial aid program manager Ginny Dodds says about 30 people have applied so far. Many were brought to the country as children. Some are current college students who've been financing their own education.

Dodds said her office is working hard to manually process applications before the school year starts.

"We'll be letting schools know who has applied for their campus and then hopefully asking them if they can defer tuition so students won't be dropped for non-payment."

The state is holding a series of workshops to help students complete applications.