Minnesota State Fair Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Minnesota State Fair

If you’re thinking about college, vocational training, or a career in the trades and you have a connection to greater Minnesota or agricultural programs, read this carefully. The Minnesota State Fair has been awarding scholarships since 1994 (more than $600,000 to date), and they want to invest in students like you.

What’s available

• Up to 22 scholarships of $1,000 each for students from greater Minnesota or students enrolled in an agriculture program. These scholarships may be used for any field of study.
• Two scholarships of $2,000 each for people of any age who are entering or furthering training in a skilled trade (examples: welding, lineman, mechanic, plumbing, electrical, apprenticeship programs, tech school, vocational school).

Who funds these scholarships

• All awards are funded by donations to the Minnesota State Fair Foundation.

Key dates

• Applications for 2026 open in March.
• Deadline: online application must be completed by July 15, 2026 at 4:30 p.m. (late applications will not be considered).
• Recipients will be notified by phone by August 9, 2026.
• Public announcements: Aug. 28 (4-H Beef Championship) and Sept. 7 (FFA Awards).

Eligibility — the essentials

• You must be a Minnesota resident.
• You must be from greater Minnesota or enrolled in an agriculture program (example: living in St. Paul but enrolled in your school’s FFA or a 4‑H member).
• For the general (any-field) scholarships: you must be attending or planning to attend a post-secondary school and be entering your freshman, sophomore, junior, or senior year at a 4-year university, community college, or technical college.
• For the two skilled-trade scholarships: open to any age entering or advancing in a skilled trade program (post-secondary, apprenticeship, tech/vocational school).
• You must indicate anticipated participation in the 2026 Minnesota State Fair on your application.
• Previous Minnesota State Fair Scholarship recipients are not eligible.

What you must submit

• Apply online using the scholarship application form by the July 15, 2026 deadline.
• For general scholarships (any field): include a transcript (official or unofficial) uploaded through the online form.
• For skilled-trade scholarships: include a letter of recommendation (uploaded through the online form).
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Do not submit multiple applications.

Typical application questions For general (any-field) scholarships:

1. What was your past involvement at the Minnesota State Fair (years, programs, awards)?
2. What is your anticipated participation at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair?
3. Describe your scholastic achievements (GPA, honors, etc.).
4. Describe leadership activities (offices held, projects directed, athletics).
5. Describe community service or volunteer work.
6. What are your future goals?

For skilled-trade scholarships:

1. What was your past involvement at the Minnesota State Fair (years, programs, awards)?
2. What is your anticipated participation at the 2026 Minnesota State Fair?
3. Why do you want to enter a profession in the trades?
4. Describe community service or volunteer activities.
5. What are your future goals?

How applications are judged

• A State Fair staff member first checks minimum eligibility.
• Qualified applications go to the scholarship committee; each member scores according to the criteria and the average score determines recipients.
• A State Fair representative votes only in case of ties.

If you win — what happens next

• You’ll be called by Aug. 9.
• You must write thank-you notes to donors as instructed (you may be asked to meet donors or write directly to specific donors).
• To receive payment, provide a copy of your post-secondary billing statement showing tuition has been paid (grants, scholarships, and cash payments count). Do not send transcripts or class schedules for payment proof.
• Payment is made after the Competition Department receives both the paid-tuition proof and the required thank-you notes.
• You must claim the scholarship by Oct. 1. Payment will be mailed to the address on your application.

Questions? Contact the Minnesota State Fair Competition Department:

• Phone: 651-288-4417
• Email: competition@mnstatefair.org

If you’re eligible, apply on time, be thorough, and take your time writing thoughtful answers and securing the required documents. This is a practical, campus-or-career friendly scholarship — treat it like an opportunity to showcase your Fair involvement, leadership, and plans. Good luck.