SCHOLARSHIPS
Students United offers a range of scholarships to support Minnesota State students in pursuing their educational goals.
Each scholarship has its own purpose and eligibility criteria, so applicants are encouraged to review requirements carefully before applying.
Scholarship applications open February 1, 2026, and must be completed online and received by April 1, 2026. Award recipients will be announced by June 1, 2026.
All scholarships are for the 2026-2027 school year.
Questions? Want to know more about our scholarships? Students United will host a virtual scholarship information session on Tuesday, February 16, from 5:30–7:00 p.m. to review available scholarships in more detail and answer questions.
To register, click here. This is a FREE event, and is open to all students attending a Minnesota State University (Bemidji State, MSU Mankato, Metro State, MSU Moorhead, St. Cloud State, Southwest MSU, and Winona State). If you can't attend, this webinar will be recorded and posted to this webpage.
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SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE
Community Service & Leadership Scholarships
Barbara J. Penny Community Service Scholarship
$1,500 • For Minnesota State students committed to community service
Jared P. Stene Student Leadership Scholarship
$2,000 • For undergraduate student leaders engaged in advocacy and public higher education
Equity, Labor, & Students of Color
Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program
Up to $2,500 (full-time) / up to $1,200 (part-time) • For union members and their families who are students of color.
Elizabeth Pegues Scholarship Matching Program for Students of Color
Matching up to $1,000 • For students of color who have received an external Minnesota-based scholarship.
Financial Need & Access
Friends Scholarship
$500 • For University juniors or seniors with significant financial need.
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Hull Educational Foundation Scholarship
$2,000–$4,000 per semester • For graduates of St. Paul Public high schools.
Writing, Public Service & Special Awards
Robert L. Carothers Distinguished Student Writers Award
$500 • Awarded by nomination through Minnesota State universities
No application required, nominations are sent to Students United from each of the 7 Minnesota State Universities.
Timothy J. Penny State & Federal Public Service Fellowship
$2,500 (State) / $5,000 (Federal) • For Minnesota State students pursuing public service internships
Applications are not currently open. Fellowship timelines have been adjusted to better align with student internship opportunities.
Check back in August 2026 — applications will open September 1, 2026, and close January 1, 2027.
AWARD INFORMATION
Some scholarships may be awarded to multiple recipients each year, depending on available funding. The number of awards may vary annually and is not guaranteed.
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For additional questions, contact Jess Khan at jkhan@studentsunited.org or 612-405-9675.
FAQ
All Scholarships, unless otherwise noted, open February 1st and close April 1st. The only two scholarships with alternate deadlines are:
Nellie Stone Johnson, which opens February 1st, and closes June 1st
Tim J. Penny Fellowship, which opens September 1st, and closes January 1st