Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship

The scholarship program was established by the former Minnesota State University System in 1989, as a part of the university's cultural diversity initiative. MSUSA assisted in the administration of the program from 1997 to 2006. The scholarship program currently operates as an independent entity.

The program honors Nellie Stone Johnson, a long-time member of the system's board. The endowment is a permanent reminder of Nellie's contributions to civil rights, human rights, and the rights of workforce cultural diversity initiatives.

Evidence has shown that success in completing college is directly correlated to the financial assistance that is available. Scholarships also reduce students' dependence on loans and debt burden. The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program's scholarship monies come from private sources, including alumni, labor unions, company foundations, friends and other supporters.

Scholarship Description

The Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship provides financial assistance to racial/ethnic minority union members and their families who wish to pursue postsecondary education at Minnesota State universities or two-year community and technical colleges. Scholarship awards are up to $2,500 for full-time students and up to $1,200 for part-time students.

This scholarship honors Nellie Stone Johnson, a trailblazing labor union activist and public servant who championed the advancement of minority rights, workers’ rights, and equal opportunities. Among her many accomplishments, she was the first female president of the Minnesota Culinary Council and Local 665 Hotel and Restaurant Employees Union, and the first Black person elected to citywide office in Minneapolis when she joined the Library Board in 1945.

Applications are reviewed by the independent Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Program Board and are due June 1. Scholarship recipients may apply for renewal, subject to the program’s guidelines.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Be enrolled at a Minnesota State College or University
• Be a union member or the child, grandchild, or spouse of a union member
• Be a person of color
• Meet the academic standards of their current institution
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate applicants, or 3.0 for graduate applicants
• Be enrolled as:

1. Full-time: 12+ credits for undergraduate students, 6+ credits for graduate students

2. Part-time: 6 to 11 credits for undergraduate students, 1 to5 credits for graduate students

Note: Scholarship recipients may apply for renewal for up to two years at the college level, up to four years at the university level, or two years for graduate work. Renewals are not guaranteed.

Incomplete applications will not be considered.