written by | Christina DeVries
This year an estimated three in five Minnesota State students will receive some sort of financial aid. While financial aid can help with the costs of a college education, it often is not enough to cover all college related expenses. Internships, a common part of higher education learning, are often unpaid. Life’s surprises – financial emergencies included- don’t just stop because you’re enrolled in classes full-time.
Students United recognizes the high costs of tuition and looming student loan debt as issues that affects all students. To continue to support students and help offset some educational costs, Students United awards scholarships from six separate funds annually. Most scholarships are awarded to multiple winners. This year, we have an additional crowd funded one-time emergency grant, Fund the American Dream[ers]. Our scholarship portal is open from February 1st– April 1st11:59p.m. Applicants can apply for more than one scholarship. Please note, our portal only allows applicants to submit an application all at once. Applicants can take a look before applying here, https://www.studentsunited.org/scholarships/
Interested in learning more about the scholarships? Here is a brief overview, please check the portal for full descriptions:
Penny Program Fellowship
This scholarship supports students (graduate or undergraduate) pursuing public service internships. $2,500 is awarded for a local internship and $5,000 is available for federal/national internships.
Minimum 2.5+ GPA
$2,500 or $5,000
Attending a Minnesota State school with one completed semester
Penny Program Scholarship
Are you a graduate or undergraduate committed to community service? You may be eligible for this award.
$1,500
Minimum 2.5+ GPA
Attending a Minnesota State school with one completed semester
Jared P Stene Student Leadership Scholarship (JPS)
Are you a leader in your community or on your campus? You may be eligible for this award.
$2,000
Minimum 2.5+ GPA
Minnesota State undergraduate who has completed 24 credits by the end of this academic year
Must plan to register for at least 12 credits at a Minnesota State University in the upcoming academic year
Friends Scholarship
Are you nearing the end of your degree path with a special financial need that may prohibit you from continuing? You may be eligible for this award.
$500
30 completed credits by the end of the academic year
Exhibit a special or unique financial need that would prohibit you continuing your education
Robert L. Carothers Distinguished Student Writers Award
Each state university will select one student who is interested in or excels in writing. If you are interested in this award, please contact your university or reach out to Christina DeVries, Director of Development cdevries@studentsunited.org, for university contact information.
$500
Interested in or aptitude for writing
Elizabeth Pegues Scholarship Matching Program for Students of Color
Are you a student of color who already has a scholarship and has been accepted into a Minnesota State University? You may be eligible for this scholarship that matches your current scholarship.
Matching up to $1,000
Graduate from a Minnesota high school or Minnesota community or technical college
Unconditionally accepted into one of the seven Minnesota State Universities
Student of color
Current recipient of a scholarship from a Minnesota-based civic, religious, fraternal, social or nonprofit youth serving organization
Hull Educational Foundation
Are you a graduate of a St. Paul High school seeking a four-year degree? You may be eligible for this scholarship.
$2,000 per semester/ $4,000 total
Attending a Minnesota State University
Expectation of completing a four-year program leading to a degree
Must be a graduate of a public St. Paul High School
Eligibility for only two semesters of financial assistance
Fund the American Dream[ers]
In 2018, Students United created an emergency fund for students whose financial situation has been adversely affected by recent immigration policy changes. Students United is committed to your privacy. We will not unnecessarily share applicant information within or outside of Students United. You will not be added to any email lists and the application review committee will not receive your name. If you have questions or concerns about privacy, please feel free to email or call Abeer Syedah at asyedah@studentsunited.org or 651-224-1518.
Up to $250
Minnesota State University student, enrolled full-or-part time
Able to demonstrate a financial need
Must have an impacted immigration status, including: lack of documentation, have/had Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), temporary status, deferred enforced departure terminated, or face a gap in immigration status
International students or current Student United Board of Directors are not eligible