The Timothy J. Penny Public Service Fellowships provide financial support for qualifying public-service internships in Minnesota or with the federal or tribal government. Students may apply for the State Public Service Fellowship, the Federal Public Service Fellowship, or both, but may receive only one fellowship during the application cycle.
Scholarship Details
- The Tim J. Penny State Public Service Fellowship provides $2,500 for qualifying internships with the Minnesota Legislature, a Minnesota state agency, a city or county government, or another Minnesota state or local government entity
- The Tim J. Penny Federal Public Service Fellowship provides $5,000 for qualifying internships with the United States federal government, a federal government agency, a tribal government, or a tribal government agency, regardless of internship location
- Applicants may apply for one or both fellowships but may receive only one fellowship during the application cycle
Eligibility Criteria
- Be currently enrolled at one of Minnesota State’s seven universities when applying
- Have completed at least one full semester at a Minnesota State university before the application deadline
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Demonstrate an interest in public service
- Plan to complete a qualifying public-service internship
- Students enrolled only at a Minnesota State college are not eligible
- Applicants are evaluated based on their leadership, commitment to public service, relevant experience and interests, and future goals
Application Process
- Confirm that you meet all eligibility requirements
- Identify a qualifying public-service internship with a Minnesota state or local government entity, the federal government, or a tribal government or agency
- Prepare the required application materials and information demonstrating your leadership, commitment to public service, relevant experience and interests and future goals
- Submit your application through the application portal by the application deadline
- Monitor for the fellowship decision, which will be announced by the beginning of February
The Tim J. Penny Public Service Fellowships offer valuable financial support while helping students gain hands-on experience in public service. These awards can provide an excellent opportunity to develop leadership skills, build professional experience, and explore a career in government or public service.
