Opportunity Removes Barrier for Students in the Twin Cities
As the cost of college continues to rise, so does the number of students struggling with hunger and homelessness at colleges and universities nationwide. In partnership with Minneapolis College, Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless provides scholarships to students who are currently experiencing homelessness or have faced it within the past two years. These scholarships can be used for both educational and living expenses, offering vital support to students in need.
With technical and skilled trade positions in high demand and Minneapolis College’s near-perfect job placement rates for graduates of its career and technical education (CTE) programs, this scholarship delivers a twofold impact. It helps fill critical workforce gaps while empowering students to achieve lasting stability, offering them a real and permanent pathway out of homelessness.
Scholarship Award Amount
15 scholarships of $2,000 will be awarded for the 2026-27 school year.
Scholarship Deadline
August 10, 2026
Scholarship Eligibility
- Student must be currently homeless or have experienced homelessness in the past two years as defined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. (Homeless person is an individual without permanent housing who may live on streets, stay in shelter, mission, Single Room Occupancy facility, vehicle, abandoned building, or in any other unstable or non-permanent situation.)
- Student must carry at least 9 credits to qualify.
- Student must have minimum GPA of 2.5.
- Preference for students who have been recommended by Minneapolis College faculty, Minneapolis College Student Support Center staff, the student’s employer, or homeless service agency staff.
- Preference for students who need funds for books, materials, fees, and living expenses as opposed to tuition.
How to Apply
Please reach out to the dean of Enrollment Management, Heidi Aldes – [email protected]