Barbara J. Penny Community Service Scholarship – $1,500
The Barbara J. Penny Community Service Scholarship recognizes Minnesota State students who demonstrate a commitment to community service and supports their continued growth as community leaders. 
 

Applicants Must: 

• Be enrolled at a Minnesota State college or university  

• Have completed at least one semester before applying  

• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA  

• Have community service or volunteer experience  
   

Jared P. Stene Student Leadership Scholarship – $2,000
The Jared P. Stene Student Leadership Scholarship honors Jared Stene’s legacy of student leadership and advocacy for public higher education. The scholarship supports undergraduate students who demonstrate leadership and a commitment to making a positive impact on their campus or community. 
 

Applicants Must: 

• Be an undergraduate student attending a Minnesota State university  

• Have completed at least 24 credits by the end of the current academic year  

• Plan to enroll in at least 12 credits per semester at a Minnesota State university during the upcoming academic year  

• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA
   

​Elizabeth Pegues Scholarship Matching Program for Students of Color – Up to $1,000
The Elizabeth Pegues Scholarship Matching Program supports students of color entering a four-year Minnesota State university by matching an eligible scholarship they have already received, up to $1,000. 
 

Applicants Must: 

• Be a student of color  

• Be a Minnesota resident  

• Have graduated from a Minnesota high school or Minnesota community or technical college  

• Be unconditionally accepted to one of Minnesota State’s seven universities  

• Have received a scholarship from a Minnesota-based civic, religious, fraternal, social, or nonprofit youth-serving organization
   

Friends Scholarship – $500 
The Friends Scholarship supports Minnesota State university students with a special or unique financial need that could prevent them from continuing their education. 
 

Applicants Must: 

• Be a junior or senior at a Minnesota State university  

• Have completed at least two academic years / 30 semester credits  

• Demonstrate a special or unique financial need that could prohibit them from continuing their education  

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Orson A. Hull & Minnie E. Hull Educational Foundation Scholarship – $2,000–$4,000 
The Orson A. Hull & Minnie E. Hull Educational Foundation Scholarship supports eligible graduates of St. Paul Public Schools high schools who are pursuing a four-year degree at a Minnesota State university. 
 

Applicants Must: 

• Be attending a Minnesota State university  

• Be a graduate of a St. Paul Public Schools senior high school  

• Have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA  

• Expect to complete a four-year degree  

• Describe their financial need and how the scholarship will support degree completion  

• Cannot be a previous recipient of this scholarship

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Robert L. Carothers Distinguished Student Writers Award – $500
The Robert L. Carothers Distinguished Student Writers Award recognizes outstanding student writing at Minnesota State’s seven universities. 

Students do not apply directly for this award. Each Minnesota State university submits nominations to Students United. 

 

Timothy J. Penny State & Federal Public Service Fellowship – $2,500 (State) / $5,000 (Federal)
The Timothy J. Penny Public Service Fellowships support Minnesota State university students pursuing qualifying public-service internships. 
 

The State Public Service Fellowship supports internships with the Minnesota Legislature, Minnesota state agencies, and Minnesota local government. 
 

The Federal Public Service Fellowship supports internships with the U.S. federal government and federal agencies, as well as tribal governments and tribal government agencies. 
 

Applicants must be currently enrolled at one of Minnesota State’s seven universities, have completed at least one semester, have a minimum 2.5 GPA, demonstrate an interest in public service, and plan to complete a qualifying public-service internship. 

2026–2027 Tim Penny Fellowship Cycle: 

Applications open: September 1, 2026 
Application deadline: December 15, 2026 

Applicants may apply for both fellowships but may receive only one award during the application cycle. 

Tim Penny Fellowship applications open September 1st and close December 15. This change has been made to better meet the needs of applying students.