The SMSC Scholarship was established in 2008 through a generous gift from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. The SMSC scholarship program is designed to recruit and retain talented American Indian students with demonstrated financial need to the University of Minnesota.
Eligibility for Undergraduate Applicants:
- Incoming University of Minnesota (any campus) first-year and transfer students
- Documented proof of American Indian heritage
- Demonstrated financial need (click here for some basics on how "financial need" is calculated at the University of Minnesota)
- Renewable for up to eight semesters for undergraduates, depending on your degree program and contingent upon academic performance
Eligibility for Graduate Applicants:
- Newly-admitted graduate and professional students (first-year or transfer)
- Documented proof of American Indian heritage
- Demonstrated financial need (click here for some basics on how "financial need" is calculated at the University of Minnesota)
- Length of funding is contingent upon academic performance, the school of enrollment, the degree program, and will be determined on a case-by-case basis
For current scholars only, to continue eligibility for funding:
- All SMSC Scholars (undergraduate & graduate): Please make sure you fill out your FAFSA by JUNE 1st in order to continue your eligibility for funding.
- Undergraduate SMSC Scholars - must be registered full-time and maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
- Graduate and professional SMSC Scholars - must be registered full-time and maintain a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative grade point average.
- Please remember that if you decide to leave the University of Minnesota (any campus), the scholarship DOES NOT go with you. It is only for U of M students.
*NOTE: Current scholars DO NOT fill out another SMSC application.
Contact
Questions? Contact the Circle of Indigenous Nations.
Undergraduate Application
NEW Extended Deadline: Wednesday March 24, 2021
Graduate Application
Donate
If you wish to donate funds to the SMSC 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).