What is the Star Scholars program?
The Minnesota Dream Act grants eligible Minnesota high school graduates access to in-state tuition rates and private scholarship aid at public institutions. As of July 1, 2013, qualifying undergraduate and graduate students can benefit from these in-state tuition rates. Additionally, eligible students may be considered for state financial aid under the Act.
The STAR Scholars Program is a scholarship initiative that provides academic and financial support to traditionally underrepresented students in postsecondary education. While the program is designed to support undocumented students, all students are encouraged to apply.
STAR Scholars takes a holistic approach to student success, aligning with Minneapolis College’s mission to support students in achieving their academic goals. The program offers:
- Culturally Relevant Advising
The STAR Scholarship provides specialized support for undocumented students, including assistance with completing the MN Dream Act Application and access to translation/interpretation services as needed.
- Funding for College Expenses
As a last-dollar scholarship, the STAR Scholarship is designed to cover tuition expenses for students with limited external financial support, ensuring they can pursue their education without financial barriers.
- Academic and Identity-Affirming Programming
STAR Scholars honors the cultural histories and personal experiences of historically underserved communities by offering educational events and leadership opportunities. These initiatives empower students’ identities and contribute to a more culturally aware campus environment.
- Support for College Success Essentials
Students receive assistance with key necessities such as food security, health and wellness resources, scholarship and job opportunities, and professional development workshops.
The STAR Scholars Program is more than just a scholarship—it’s a community of support dedicated to empowering students and fostering success.
* 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.
Eligibility Requirements
- Complete the MN Dream Act application (if eligible)
- Provide proof of DACA, U-Visa Status or Temporary Protection Status (if applicable)
- Letter of Recommendation (2 max)
- Strongly encouraged, not required:
- Minnesota resident
- Age 17-24 years
- Graduated high school or received a GED in the last year
- Meet the family adjusted gross income cap of $75,000
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 for the school year you intend to enroll at Minneapolis College. For assistance in completing the MN Dream Act, contact LUCHA Coordinator Sagrario Torres Flores or schedule a meeting directly with Sagrario Torres Flores.
- Complete the Star Scholarship Application
- OPTIONAL: Submit 2 Letters of Recommendation
- Letters of recommendation should be emailed as a PDF or WORD doc to Sagrario Torres Flores
- Letters of recommendation are encouraged to include student accomplishments demonstrating academic excellence, purpose-driven goals, and/or additional characteristics that the recommender would like considered when the student's application is evaluated.
- Applicants can expect responses to their 2025-2026 Star Scholarship applications in early June 2025. Applicants should contact Sagrario Torres Flores
You will need to complete all the steps in the Star Scholars application process prior to the May 9, 2025 deadline..
Please note: Applicant and family data is not shared with other agencies.
Application Deadline
All steps below must be completed and submitted by May 9, 2025 for you to be considered for the Star Scholars program beginning in the fall 2025.
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 in early June 2025.
If you are not selected to participate in the Star Scholars program, you will receive a letter of decline by June 16, 2025.
Star Scholars advisors are available to assist with your application, please contact us (see below) if you need help.
Contact Us
For more information, contact:
- Sagrario Torres Flores
- 612-234-2143
- Office: H.2604