Southwest State University - Marshall, MN

Southwest State University is pleased to offer the following scholarship program to qualified MEP students:

1.      MEP students wishing to attend Southwest State University must meet normal admission requirements and must have applied and been accepted for admission to the University.

2.      Students who have been accepted for admission will be awarded a minimum scholarship in the amount of $1,000. per year for four years.  Southwest State University will make six scholarships  available to entering MEP students and will be awarded on a first come basis.  The scholarship is committed to the student regardless of financial need.  Students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid in an effort to gain further financial assistance through such programs as Pell Grant, Stafford Student Loan, Work-Study, or Minnesota State Grant.  Students are also encouraged to complete the SSU Scholarship Application in an effort to qualify for additional scholarship dollars.

3.      Students accepting the scholarship must enroll in a minimum of 12 academic credits each term of attendance and maintain a minimum grade point average of 2.50.  Students are expected to become involved in the programming sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Services,    participate in clubs and organizations related to their major or areas of interest, to participate in on-campus Leadership Seminars, and to be involved with academic support services.

Augsburg College

Augsburg participates in all federal and state funded financial aid programs.  In addition, Augsburg provides many need based scholarships to assist in educational financing. MEP students are assured a minimum of $6,000 per year in gift assistance from Augsburg College.  This includes Augsburg Grant, Augsburg Scholarships, and/or SEO Grant.  Gift assistance from all sources (Pell Grant, State Grant, and Augsburg Grant/Scholarship) may reach a maximum of full-tuition.  MEP students are encouraged to apply for the Students of Color Leadership Award, which provides scholarship funds in addition to other financial assistance offered. MEP International Students will receive a minimum of $6,000 from Augsburg.

To apply for funding, students must complete the following steps:

1. Apply and be accepted for admission to Augsburg College.


2. Complete the entire financial aid application process.  This includes completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the Augsburg Financial Aid Application.


3. Enroll as a full-time student each semester in the Day Program.


4. Maintain satisfactory academic progress as determined by the College.


5. Students applying for merit-based funds including the Students of Color Leadership Award must  complete the appropriate application.  Application forms are available from the Admissions Office.  Application deadlines vary.


6. Students are encouraged to participate in support programs offered by Augsburg  (American Indian Student Services, Asian Student Services, African Student Services, and/or Hispanic/Latino Student Services).

Bethel College

Bethel College is pleased to assist qualified MEP students who wish to pursue their higher education at Bethel College in St. Paul, Minnesota.  Details of the Bethel program are as follows:

1. MEP students seeking to attend Bethel must meet normal admissions requirements to be accepted for admission to the institution.

2. MEP students who apply to Bethel must be U S Citizens or Permanent Residents to be eligible for admission to the college.

3. MEP students must apply for all financial aid annually.  This  includes completing the FAFSA form, the Bethel Financial Aid application, and submitting the appropriate tax returns by April 15^th.  It also includes completing the application process for the Presidents Multicultural Leadership Scholarship by the deadline date (March 1^st).

4. Student must enroll as a full-time student each semester in the traditional program (not valid for the adult degree completion program).

5. Bethel will assist MEP students who enroll by offering a financial aid package where gift aid from all sources will equal that year's tuition, less the expected family contribution (EFC).  The EFC will be determined annually by the federal need analysis process (FAFSA).


6. Students will be eligible for this assistance for up to four years.

7. Students must maintain satisfactory academic progress and retain eligibility for the Presidents Multicultural Leadership Scholarship while receiving these funds.

College of Saint Benedict and Saint John's University:

The College of St. Benedict (CSB) and (SJU) are pleased to participate in the Multicultural Excellence Program sponsored by the Saint Paul Public Schools.  To MEP participants who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents meeting CSB/SJU admission requirements, a variety of merit and need-based scholarships and grants will be available.  To assist the neediest students, CSB and SJU will award up to full tuition in grants/scholarships from all sources less the expected parental contribution as determined by the federal need analysis.  In addition, campus employment is available allowing students to earn $1,200 to $2,000 during the academic year.  Student loans are also available to help students finance a portion of their education.

To receive full consideration, applicants for admission should complete the following steps:

2. Apply for the Diversity Scholarship and I-LEAD Fellowship. Applications are available on-line  http://www.csbsju.edu/admission/finaid/scholarships.htm
   


3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) designating CSB  (code #002341) or SJU (code #002379) to receive the data.


4. Complete the CSB/SJU financial aid application.  This is automatically mailed to students after being accepted for admission.

The Admission and Financial Aid Staff is prepared to assist students and their families with any of the steps to apply for admission or financial aid.  CSB/SJU are committed to helping students graduate in four years.  Many support services are offered for students free-of-charge to assist them in meeting this goal.

Carleton College

Carleton College is a full participant and supports the Multicultural Excellence Program in the St. Paul Public Schools.  MEP students must apply and be admitted under the normal admissions criteria that are applied to all Carleton students.  Our financial commitment to MEP applicants is as follows:

1.      We will meet 100% of your demonstrated financial need.

2.      We will calculate your financial need fairly and equitably, based on the CSS Profile and Federal FAFSA forms.

3.      Your need will be met with grants, scholarships, loan and work.

4.      You will be eligible for a job on campus, regardless of your need (usually allowing you to earn about $1,800).

5.      Your loans will be reduced to half of the usual amount awarded.  Normally, this means a yearly loan of $1,200 - $1,500 per year.

6.      Any other “outside” scholarships (non-federal, state or institutional funds) you are awarded will be used to further

reduce your loan indebtedness.

St. Catherine University

St. Catherine University values a diverse community and welcomes MEP applicants.  Students who complete the MEP program and are admitted to St. Catherine University, St. Paul campus will receive St. Catherine scholarships and grants totaling $6,000.*  In addition, eligible students may also receive assistance from the Pell Grant Program, the Minnesota State Grant Program and low-interest loan programs.

St. Catherine University encourages new students to apply for on-campus employment. To apply for funding, students must complete the following:

1.      Apply and be accepted for admission to St. Catherine University/St. Paul campus day program or t St. CatherineUniversity/ Minneapolis program.

 
2.      Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid 
       (FAFSA) and St. Catherine financial aid questionnaire.

3.      Enroll as a full-time student each semester and remain in good academic standing.

* Students who complete the MEP program and are admitted to the St. Catherine University, Minneapolis Campus will receive St. Catherine scholarships and grants totaling $4,000.

College of St. Scholastica

The College of St. Scholastica is pleased to be a partner in the Multicultural Excellence Program through the St. Paul Public School District for 2009/2010 Academic Year.  MEP students who wish to attend The College of St. Scholastica must meet normal admissions requirements, be an accepted college applicant at The College of St. Scholastica and a U.S. citizen or permanent resident.

For those MEP students who are eligible (eligible meaning those who meet the normal admission requirements into The College of St. Scholastica, a U.S. citizen or permanent resident, and show financial need) the College of St. Scholastica offers a $3,000 scholarship for students graduating from the St. Paul School District, who are in good standing with the Multicultural Excellence Program (MEP). The MEP Scholarship is renewable annually as long as the recipient maintains a minimum GPA of 2.5 while enrolling full-time at St. Scholastica.

Students are encouraged to contact staff members at The College of St. Scholastica at any time for answers to their questions.  1-800-447-5444 or E-mail at admissions@css.edu.

Concordia University at St. Paul, Minnesota

Concordia University, a private Division II institution in St. Paul, is honored to participate in the Multicultural Excellence Program with the Saint Paul Public Schools.  Concordia University provides a quality education while working with MEP students to make it affordable.  Concordia University offers a comprehensive scholarship program including the Presidents Achievement Scholarship ($13,000 to $14,000 per year) for students of color who have a cumulative GPA of 3.4 or higher and ACT composite of 21 or higher.

Details of our program for MEP students are:

1.      MEP students are required to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

2.      MEP students are required to complete Concordia’s Financial Aid Application.

3.      Students must be accepted to Concordia University as a freshman in our traditional program.

4.      MEP students admitted to Concordia will be guaranteed an academic merit scholarship ranging from $1000 to $8000 based on academic criteria.

5.      Eligible MEP students with a cumulative GPA of 3.4 and ACT composite of 21 may apply for the renewable for 3 more years.

6.      Students must be a U.S. citizen or a Permanent Resident.

Concordia College at Moorhead, Minnesota

Concordia College at Moorhead is excited to join the St. Paul Public School District as a partner in the Multicultural Excellence Program.  Concordia College at Moorhead is committed to providing an affordable quality education. In addition to need based aid, MEP students may be eligible for merit scholarships, including the Concordia College Broader Horizons Scholarships.  This scholarship recognizes the combination of academic excellence and the potential for outstanding contributions of students of color to the Concordia campus community.  The Broader Horizons Scholarships range from $10,000 to $40,000 ($2,500 to $10,000 per year). 

Requirements:

            1.  MEP Student who is a US citizen or Permanent Resident.

            2.  Accepted for admission at Concordia College at

                 Moorhead.

            3.  Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid

                  (FAFSA).

                 Students may contact the Office of Admission at

                 1-800-699-9897 with any questions.

Gustavus Adolphus College

Gustavus Adolphus College is honored to participate in the Multicultural Excellence Program in the St. Paul Public Schools.  Gustavus will assist qualified MEP applicants who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents by meeting 100% of their financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Details of our program for accepted MEP students are as follows:

Hamline University

Hamline University will make available need-based grant awards of up to $5,000 per year for MEP students who are entering Hamline as freshmen.  These awards are renewable through eight semesters of enrollment for students who demonstrate satisfactory academic progress.  In addition, students may be considered for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).  These two grants combined with a PELL Grant and a State Grant could equal the cost of the tuition.

Students who are not US Citizens or Permanent Residents are invited to apply as International students.

Macalester College

The financial aid package offered to admitted MEP students who are U S Citizens or Permanent Residents is identical to that which Macalester offers to other academically strong students of color who are offered admission.  Macalester is committed to meeting the full-demonstrated financial need of all admitted students.  The College also practices “need-blind” admissions (i.e., financial resources are not considered in making admission decisions).  In most cases, the Macalester financial aid package will include a significant portion of grant aid.  Macalester does not use PLUS or unsubsidized Stafford loans to meet financial need.  To apply for financial aid, students must complete the FAFSA and CSS Profile forms by the established deadline dates.

Northwestern College

Northwestern College, a Christian liberal arts college committed to the aggressive pursuit of academic excellence and offering more than 50 majors and study abroad programs.  It is located on a beautiful campus where 2,000 students are preparing for life-changing and world-impacting careers.

Northwestern is pleased to partner with the Multicultural Excellence Program and is delighted to be considered by qualified MEP students who wish to pursue higher education. Northwestern's commitment to the program is to provide a financial aid policy which will apply to all MEP students who are U.S. Citizens or Permanent Residents and who plan to attend the "Day School" at the College. Northwestern is committed to covering each student’s demonstrated financial need, up to the cost of tuition.

1. Students applying for admission must meet the standard requirements of admission at the College. 

2.      The admissions application fee will be waived for all MEP students in “good standing” in the program.

3.      Students must complete the entire financial aid application process, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Northwestern Financial Aid Application.

The following are resources used by Northwestern to help cover students'   demonstrated need or tuition as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1.       Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant, Minnesota State Grant, Northwestern College Grants and Scholarships.

2.       Outside Scholarships:  the college encourages students to apply for as many outside scholarships as possible.  If a student brings outside scholarships, the College will apply them toward room, meals and books.  If a Financial Aid “over-award” occurs because of the outside scholarships, the college grant and scholarship assistance will be reduced.

This program is a commitment to MEP students for their four years of attendance, leading to their Bachelor’s degree. The Federal and State regulations of Satisfactory Academic Progress will govern students receiving financial assistance under this program.

St. Olaf College

St. Olaf College enthusiastically joins the Multicultural Excellence Program in an effort to provide tangible support and assistance for MEP students in pursuit of an education in the liberal arts.  MEP students who are US. Citizens or Permanent Residents and who are admitted to St. Olaf College are eligible for scholarships and grants up to the cost of tuition, books and fees.  Students are eligible for this level of funding provided they do the following:

1.      Complete the Free Application Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

2.      Demonstrate a financial need at least as large as tuition, books and fees.

3.      Students are eligible and encouraged to apply for the TRIO Scholarship ($6000 per year)

4.      Complete applications for community and foundation scholarships (Page Foundation, etc.)

5.      Additional costs (room and board) will be met with a loan component no larger than $3,000 per year and a campus job opportunity of no more than 8 hours per week.

University of St. Thomas

The University of St. Thomas (UST) is pleased to partner with the Multicultural Excellence Program (MEP) in an effort to enhance access to higher education for academically qualified MEP students. 

MEP students who graduate from high school in good standing as participants in the MEP, who are US citizens or Permanent Residents and who meet UST’s admissions requirements will benefit from one or more of the UST financial aid opportunities described below:

1. An MEP Scholarship in the amount of $2500.00.  This merit-based scholarship will be awarded in addition to the other merit and need-based financial aid UST offers (up to a maximum of tuition).
2. St. Thomas Scholarships and Awards.  UST Scholarships and Awards are merit- based awards determined after a review of a student’s cumulative grade point average, high school rank and composite ACT or SAT score and after a review of the contributions the student has made to community, school and/or church.  Scholarships and Awards typically range from $500 - $18,000 per year.

In addition to these merit-based awards, MEP students are encouraged to apply for need-based financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  If the results of the FAFSA demonstrate that the student has financial need then need-based aid will be awarded in addition to the merit-based awards described above.   MEP students may anticipate the following:

A.     Need-based scholarships and grants for which the student is eligible (when combined with their merit-based awards) may reach (but not exceed) a maximum of full tuition.

B.     Need-based aid (scholarships, grants, student employment and student loans) will be combined with merit-based aid such that 100% of demonstrated financial need will be met.  *

*Demonstrated financial a need is determined by subtracting the amount which a student and his/her family are expected to contribution to education (as determined by the FAFSA) from the cost of attending UST.  The total cost of attending is defined as tuition, fees, room and board, books and miscellaneous expenses.

All financial aid received will be subject to the conditions of funding agencies, where applicable and will in no case, exceed total educational and related costs.  To be considered for these funds, MEP students must:

·        Apply for admission to UST and be accepted as a regular, degree-seeking, full-time student

·        Complete the FAFSA 

·        Matriculate to UST

To retain these funds as a UST student, the student must:

·        Be enrolled as a full-time, undergraduate, degree-seeking student

·        Remain consecutively enrolled as a full-time UST student

·        Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while attending UST

·        Continue participation in MEP in accord with MEP guidelines

MEP students may receive assistance for a total of four consecutive years or 132 credits or until graduation from UST, whichever comes first.  Credits earned by any MEP student who transfers to St. Thomas from another institution will be included in the 132 credit limit.  Full eligibility is determined each year on the basis of the student’s financial need (as determined by the FAFSA) and UST academic performance.

NOTE:   For our two MEP Wisconsin schools, UW - Stout 

and  UW - River Falls, there is no specific MEP scholarship. 

University of Wisconsin – River Falls

The University of Wisconsin- River Falls will offer financial support to all MEP students with demonstrated need as determined through the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  Tuition and fees at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls are inclusive, covering the cost of course fees, textbooks, and student health service and activity fees.

Additionally, MEP students who have completed 30 credits at the University of Wisconsin- River Falls are eligible to receive support through the need-based Lawton Minority Retention Grant Program.  This amount is subject to annual adjustment.  

MEP students are encouraged to apply for campus scholarships.  These competitive awards are based on academic achievement and/or intended area of undergraduate study or interest, and may also require recipients to have demonstrated financial need. Please call Carolyn Brady, MEP Admissions contact  at UW- River Falls for specific details relating to University of Wisconsin- River Falls’ commitment to MEP students.  She can be reached by phone at (715) 425-0683 or via email at carolyn.j.brady@uwrf.edu.

University of Wisconsin – Stout

The University of Wisconsin – Stout pledges support and commitment to the program.  To assist MEP participants, Stout’s Financial Aid Office will commit to the following:

1.      Students must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1^st each year and be fully admitted as a degree seeking, U.S. citizen or permanent resident student.

2.      The need identified by the FAFSA results will be met with grants, loans and work program.

3.      Students will be eligible for a job on campus, regardless of need, allowing approximate earnings Of up to $2,000 per year.

4.      Any scholarships received from the Stout Foundation or outside sources will be used to reduce debt from student loans.

5.      Or, Applications for the Schneider Diversity Leadership Scholarship from MEP students will receive priority.

6.      Upon successful completion of 30 credits, students will be eligible for the need-based Lawton 

a.      Undergraduate Minority Retention Grant (currently $2,000 per academic year.)

b.       Students will be subject to the same satisfactory academic progress standards as all financial aid recipients.

Florida A & M  University  - Tallahassee, Florida

This will not be a Free Ride Scholarship but rather one that has a balanced participation by all parties:

FAMU – In State Tuition and Information

• Waive the out-of-state Tuition
• Work with 3 M on a Co-op Program
• Work with 3 M to provide information to the potential students about FAMU and the CIS major.

3M - Funding, Leadership, Co-op Program

• 3 M foundation will pay $2,000 per year towards tuition 100k grant spend down over a 8 year period.
• 3 M will provide a Co-op Program for the student to enable the student to earn the families contribution for this education.
• 3 M will provide the leadership to coordinate this program.

Family -  $$ and Transportation

• The primary cost to the family will be the transportation to Tallahassee.
• Books
• Dormitory

Student -  Academic Performance

• Student must maintain a 3.0 GPA to stay in the Program for 4 years.
• Student must participate in the Co-op Program.

Operational Responsibilities:

3 M and FAMU will provide information/knowledge of FAMU to High School Counselors, Coaches, and potential students.

3 M & FAMU will create a list of the characteristics of a good candidate student.

MEP will integrate selection criteria into the M.E.P. mentoring to identify great CIS candidates.