Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship

Introduction and history
The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship was created in 1989 by the former Minnesota State University System as part of a cultural diversity initiative. From 1997 through 2006, the Minnesota State University Student Association (MSUSA) helped administer the program. Today the scholarship operates as an independent organization. The fund is a permanent endowment honoring Nellie Stone Johnson and her lifelong work for civil and human rights, labor rights, and workforce diversity.

Purpose and funding
Research shows that access to financial aid increases the likelihood of completing college and lowers reliance on loans. The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship helps reduce students’ debt burden. Award funds are provided entirely from private sources — including alumni, labor unions, corporate foundations, friends, and other supporters.

About Nellie Stone Johnson
Nellie Stone Johnson was a prominent labor leader and public servant who worked to expand opportunities for minority and working-class communities. Her milestones include serving as the first woman president of the Minnesota Culinary Council and Local 665 of the Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union, and becoming the first Black person elected to a citywide office in Minneapolis when she joined the Library Board in 1945.

Scholarship overview
The scholarship offers financial support to racial/ethnic minority union members and their family members who are pursuing postsecondary education at Minnesota State institutions — including Minnesota State universities and two-year community and technical colleges. Awards are up to $2,500 for students enrolled full time and up to $1,200 for those enrolled part time. Applications are evaluated by the independent Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program Board. Completed applications must be submitted by June 1.

Eligibility requirements
Applicants must meet all of the following:
- Be enrolled at a Minnesota State university, community college, or technical college.
- Be a union member or the child, grandchild, or spouse of a union member.
- Be a person of color.
- Satisfy the academic standards of the institution where they are enrolled.
- Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate applicants or 3.0 for graduate applicants.

Enrollment status definitions
- Full-time undergraduate: 12 or more credits; full-time graduate: 6 or more credits.
- Part-time undergraduate: 6 to 11 credits; part-time graduate: 1 to 5 credits.

Renewal and limitations
Recipients may apply for renewal subject to program rules. Renewal limits are:
- Up to two years for students at two-year colleges,
- Up to four years for students at universities,
- Up to two years for graduate study.
Renewal is not automatic and is granted only at the program’s discretion.

Other notes
Incomplete applications will not be considered.