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Star Scholars

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What is the Star Scholars program?

The Star Scholar Program is designed to make your dream of attending college tuition-free a possibility.

The STAR Scholars is a scholarship program that provides academic and financial support to traditionally underrepresented students in postsecondary institutions. STAR Scholars takes a holistic approach to supporting its students.

In alignment with the mission of Minneapolis College to support students through their academic journey to degree/program completion, the STAR Program provides the following:

Culturally relevant advising: As the target demographic of this scholarship is undocumented, the STAR Scholarship provides support in completing the MN Dream Act Application, as well as translation/interpretation services as needed.
Funding for college expenses: The STAR Scholarship is a last-dollar scholarship. It intends to cover tuition expenses for students with limited external financial support.
Academic and identity-affirming programming: The STAR Scholarship valorizes the cultural histories and personal experiences of historically underserved communities in academia by programming culturally educational events at a collegiate institution. The goal of this programming is to empower the identities of STAR students to challenge the elitist culture of postsecondary education, and to create opportunities for student leadership in event organizing. To a greater magnitude, the identity-affirming programming is intended to foster a more culturally aware environment at Minneapolis College.
Assistance with college success necessities: This includes connecting students to and/or providing resources for food insecurity, health and wellness, scholarship and job opportunities, and workshops for professional development.

* Students are supported by the program for three consecutive years or up to 72 college-level completed credits. A student is no longer eligible for the STAR Scholarship once one of these benchmarks is reached.

Star Scholars Application Form

Eligibility Requirements

Participation Expectations

Full-time enrollment of a minimum of 12 credits per semester
Minimum 2.5 GPA
Exceptions may exist due to the following circumstances:
- Medical (IEP, 504 plan, depression, anxiety, pregnancy, hospitalization, etc.)
- First term underprepared
- Limited credits remaining/needed for major
- Other; all requests will be sent to and reviewed by the LUCHA coordinator for approval
Meet with LUCHA coordinator and Academic Advisor a minimum of two times each semester
Enroll in the STAR Scholars 2-credit FYST course during first semester of program
- Mandatory attendance and completion of the STAR Scholarship Orientation before the start of the semester following acceptance to the program
- Successful completion of the course is required

Once a STAR Scholarship is awarded to a student, a student does not need to reapply.

Eligibility for the scholarship is reviewed every semester. Failure to meet the Participation Requirements of the STAR Scholarship may result in loss of the scholarship.

How to Apply

Contact Sagrario Torres Flores, 612-659-6477 to discuss the application process
Apply for the MN Dream Act
Complete course placement. Placement is based on the following information:
ACT, SAT, and/or MCA scores within the last 5 calendar years.
Self-Reported High school Grade Point Average (GPA) if you graduated in the past 10 years. If you submitted your high school grade point average (GPA) in your application for admission and/or requested ACT, SAT, MCA scores to be sent, you'll receive placement by email.
Directed Self Placement Guides. If you don’t have a high school grade point average (GPA) in the past 10 years or ACT, SAT, and/or MCA test scores in the past 5 years, a course placement advisor will work through this process with you! Please see the Directed Self Placement Guides on the Course Placement webpage.
Previous college course work from accredited U.S. colleges and universities
Standardized score reports (CLEP, AP and IB)
Submit 2 letters of recommendation by email to Sagrario Torres Flores (sagrario.torresflores@minneapolis.edu)
Submit High School Transcripts with final grades

You will need to complete all the steps in the Star Scholars application process prior to the May 10, 2024 deadline.

Please note: Applicant and family data is not shared with other agencies.

Application Deadline

How Will the Star Scholars Help Me Succeed in College?

Along with awarded federal and state grant dollars, Star Scholars will enable you to attend college tuition-free
As an Minneapolis College student, you have access to the Student Health Clinic
Together with your Star Scholar advisor you will develop an academic plan and receive intensive support and guidance
Star Scholars connects you to various Minneapolis College support services that ease your transition to college
The program provides an opportunity to build your social capital and civic engagement by fulfilling a 10-hour per semester community service requirement
The Star Scholars program offers guidance and support through the Equity and Inclusion division by providing the following programs:
- LUCHA (Latinos Unidos for College and Higher Achievement)
- AME (African American Empowerment Program)
- AIS (American Indian Success Program)

Acceptance Letters

You may receive an acceptance letter to Minneapolis Community and Technical College from the admissions office.

Your acceptance to the college does not mean you have been accepted into the Star Scholars program.

If you are accepted into the program, you will receive a letter outlining the next steps and an invitation to the Star Scholars New Student Orientation just after June 10, 2024.

If you are not selected to participate in the Star Scholars program, you will receive a letter of decline by June 10, 2024.

Star Scholars advisors are available to assist with your application, please contact us (see below) if you need help.