Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award

The SEED Award program honors underrepresented students who are doing outstanding work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Minnesota and in the community. 

About the Undergraduate SEED Awards

The Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Awards honor underrepresented undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for their outstanding work in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while at the University of Minnesota and in the community.

Sue W. Hancock SEEDs of Change Awards

These awards are given to undergraduate students who are committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through their academic achievement, community outreach and engagement, and leadership. These awards are named in honor of Sue W. Hancock, whose 27-year career of service at the U of M inspired her colleagues and students. Recipients are full-time juniors or seniors pursuing active community engagement while maintaining a minimum 3.0 cumulative G.P.A.

Milton and Danae Andrews SEED Award

The Andrews SEED Award was created by Milton and Danae Andrews through the University of Minnesota Foundation to support students demonstrating impressive engagement with and commitment to issues of equity and diversity through outstanding academic achievement and activism. The recipient of this award will be the featured student speaker at the University of Minnesota Equity and Diversity Breakfast in November 2023. The awardee will speak about how they are working to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University of Minnesota and in the community. 

Learn about the Graduate SEED Awards

Amount:

  • Range from $3000 to $5000 for one academic year. (Note: Your overall financial need will be taken into consideration when awarding funds.)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Students whose backgrounds and/or identities are underrepresented at the University of Minnesota.
  • Students who will be full-time undergraduate juniors or seniors at any of the University of Minnesota's campuses during the Fall 2023 semester, with a minimum of four semesters completed coursework at the University.
  • Students with a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  •  Students who demonstrate  outstanding achievement and in the following areas:
    • Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within the chosen field of study. 
    • Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through community outreach and engagement.
    • Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion through exemplary leadership activities.

Spring 2022 SEED Awardees

Undergraduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award

Munira Ahmed
College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities

Samiat Ajibola
College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities

Trey Feuerhelm
College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resources Sciences (CFANS), Twin Cities 

Friday Gora
Integrated Elementary & Special Ed, Duluth

Salma Ibrahim
College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities

Sumeya Jeilani
College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities

Rijul Mahajan
College of Science and Engineering, Twin Cities

Chinonso Nwakama
College of Biological Sciences, Twin Cities

Michelle Quan
College of Science and Engineering, Twin Cities

Alvina Salim
College of Design, Twin Cities
 

Graduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award

Adam Lê
Graduate School Graduate Student SEED Award
College of Liberal Arts, Twin Cities

Laichee Yang
Provost's Office Professional Student SEED Award
College of Design, Twin Cities

Alul Yesak
Graduate School Graduate Student SEED Award
College of Education and Human Development, Twin Cities

Donate

If you wish to donate funds to the SEED Scholars program, you may do so online. You can also contact the University of Minnesota Foundation directly at 612-624-3333, or 800-775-2187 (toll-free).