While employers and the Biden administration continue to fight with Americans on getting vaccinated, the state of Minnesota focused its vaccine efforts on children aged 12 to 17. Hoping to encourage the youth to get vaccinated, the state is now offering financial incentives for any young person who gets both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Between Monday and November 30th, a teenager is able to grab a $200 Visa gift card for getting both shots. There is a catch, a parent or guardian must register their child after he or she has received both vaccines. But while 200 dollars is a good deal, the state is apparently just getting started. 

On top of the gift card, vaccinated teenagers will be eligible to enter a lottery with a $100,000 college scholarship as its prize. This scholarship can be used for any public or private nonprofit educational institution in Minnesota. There will also be a total of five grand prize winners. So, that is a total of $500,000 in scholarship money. 

Go Ad-Free, Get Exclusive Shows and Content, Go Premium Today - $1 Trial

Excited about the incentives, Democratic Gov. Tim Walz said in a statement, “Our administration is dedicated to doing everything we can to keep our kids safe during this pandemic – and that includes working to get as many Minnesotans vaccinated as possible. We’re launching this program to help reward teens for doing their part by getting fully vaccinated and keeping our schools, community, and state safe. If you haven’t started your vaccine series yet, do it now and get $200 in your pocket. And to every Minnesota teen across the state: Get fully vaccinated and get your shot at a $100,000 college scholarship.”

According to the local news outlet, only 50% of teenagers in Minnesota have received both doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. That percentage increased to 60% when only looking at older teenagers. Either way, Gov. Walz believes this incentive will be the tipping point needed to increase the number altogether.