LeadMN Leadership Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by LeadMN

Introduction
The LeadMN Leadership Scholarship recognizes up-and-coming student leaders for both their academic performance and their dedication to serving others. Recipients have contributed to their communities in many ways — for example, mentoring Head Start children, coordinating youth groups, or volunteering as interpreters.

Award amount and timeline
- Award: $1,250 per recipient.
- Frequency: Awarded in both the fall and spring semesters.
- Fall application window: opens January 1 and closes April 1 at 11:59 PM.
- Spring application window: opens July 1 and closes November 1 at 11:59 PM.

Eligibility (who may apply)
To be considered for the scholarship you must:
- Be currently enrolled at one of the 33 Minnesota State Colleges or Universities.
- Hold a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Be an undergraduate student who demonstrates strong leadership and a commitment to service.
- Note exclusions: graduate students and PSEO students are not eligible.
- Members of the LeadMN Board of Directors and the Executive Board are also ineligible.

Application requirements
Applicants must submit the following materials via the online application:
- Complete the online application form.
- Leadership definition essay: 300–600 words describing what leadership means to you, including personal examples. These may include your own leadership roles, leaders who influenced you, or people who shaped your leadership ideas positively or negatively.
- Leadership skills statement: In your own words, list 3–5 leadership skills you possess and provide one or two examples of how you have applied each skill in (1) your education, (2) your community, and (3) your employment.
- Education and leadership essay: 300–600 words explaining what a college education means to you and how receiving this scholarship will support your leadership growth.
- Leadership biography: A summary of your leadership experience outlining positions you have held (job, committee, event, etc.), the leadership skills you used in at least one specific role, how you applied those skills, and examples of improvements or promotions tied to that role.
- One letter of recommendation from a community, campus, or organizational leader who can speak to your leadership abilities (one letter should be from a peer).
- A copy of your unofficial school transcript.

If you have questions about eligibility or application materials, contact the LeadMN office for clarification before submitting.