Helping Pay for College
The Hennepin Tech Foundation offers a variety of scholarships to assist you with paying for your education, which are available to both new and returning students. Unlike loans, scholarships do not need to be paid back.
Funded through contributions from alumni, faculty and staff, community members, and partner organizations, the Hennepin Tech Foundation awards an average of $350,000 every academic year including Workforce Development Scholarships, made possible by the Minnesota State Legislature.
We have made it simple – with one online application for all scholarships available through the Hennepin Tech Foundation. With one online application, students are automatically considered for all scholarships for which they meet eligibility criteria.
- You need your StarID and password to apply for scholarships:
- StarID is a single username login for many resources used by Hennepin Tech students and employees; you only need one StarID for all Minnesota State colleges and universities
- If you do not have a StarID, one will be created for you when you apply to Hennepin Tech
- If you require an accommodation please contact Access Services Office
- Complete the online scholarship application
- Applicants must be enrolled in at least 6 credits at Hennepin Tech; Workforce Development Scholarships require 9 credits and some scholarships require full-time status of 12 credits
- Have:
- FAFSA on file with Hennepin Tech, or
- Explain why a FAFSA is not an option for you to submit, or
- Completed Minnesota Dream Act application through the Office of Higher Education
- Hennepin Tech’s Financial Aid code is 010491
- Scholarship recipients will be notified via their college email of their award and must sign and return a Scholarship Terms and Conditions and Release and Authorization form before the scholarship is awarded. Recipients are also required to write a thank you note to the donor.
Please note: PSEO students are not eligible for Foundation Scholarships as the State of MN pays for tuition and fees. Please visit Education MN.gov for more information.
Are you having trouble logging into the application?
- Use Google Chrome or Firefox web browsers
- Reset your StarID password
- If you are still having issues, please email the Hennepin Tech IT Service Desk
Additional Resources
Foundation Scholarship FAQs
Applying for Scholarships
- Visit the Hennepin Tech Foundation Scholarships. Complete the online application and essay before the deadline.
- StarID is a single username login for many resources used by Hennepin Tech students and employees; you only need one StarID for all Minnesota State colleges and universities
- If you do not have a StarID, one will be created for you when you apply to Hennepin Tech
- When you complete the scholarship application, you’ll automatically be considered for all scholarships for which you meet the eligibility criteria. Some scholarships may have additional essay questions. If so, you’ll be prompted to complete those before you can be considered for those specific awards.
- You must submit a new application each semester. Scholarship applications are open:
- Fall Semester Awards: Apply in April–June
- Spring Semester Awards: Apply in October–November
Yes! New students are welcome to apply once they are accepted to Hennepin Tech. Apply for admission to the college and then apply for scholarships.
No. You do not need to have a FAFSA on file to apply for scholarships. However, some specific scholarships do require it. If your FAFSA isn’t submitted by the scholarship deadline, you won’t be eligible for those scholarships.
The best advice is to complete your FAFSA early. The FAFSA is released by December 1 for the next academic year. Completing your FAFSA early may provide you with additional financial aid resources and ensures the ability to use the book charge function in August, and January.
No. Scholarship monies are designated to cover tuition costs. Since PSEO students don’t have a tuition bill with the college, thanks to the State of Minnesota, PSEO students don’t qualify for scholarships.
Yes. All scholarships require recipients to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credits. Some scholarships require students to be enrolled in a higher number of credits.
No. However, some scholarships have minimum GPA requirements or other eligibility criteria. Log into the scholarship application to see available scholarships and the eligibility criteria for each.
- Each applicant must complete the following essay question: Describe yourself and your character. Tell us about your education and career goals, and how a scholarship will help you achieve those goals. Additional essays may be required for specific scholarships.
See below for how your application will be scored:
| Category | 5 pts | 4 pts | 3 pts | 2 pts | 1 pt | Score |
| GPA | 3.5 – 4.0 | 3.0 – 3.49 | 2.5 – 2.99 | 2.0 – 2.49 | 1.5 – 1.99 | ___ / 5 |
| Grammar & Mechanics Spelling, punctuation, sentence structure | Virtually no errors; writing is polished and professional | Minor errors that do not affect understanding | Noticeable errors; somewhat affect readability | Frequent errors that interfere with clarity | Difficult to read; major grammar issues | ___ / 5 |
| Content & Relevance Addresses the essay question with meaningful insight | Thoroughly answers question(s); insightful and focused | Mostly addresses the question(s); relevant and coherent | Adequate response; lacks depth or clarity | Weak response to question(s); vague | Barely addresses question(s); lacks relevance | ___ / 5 |
| Category | 10 pts | 8 pts | 6 pts | 4 pts | 2 pts | Score |
| Personal Impact / Compelling Story Authenticity, emotional resonance, personal growth | Story is powerful and memorable; strong emotional connection | Story is engaging and shows resilience | Story is present but lacks impact or clarity | Vague or underdeveloped story | Minimal story or personal insight | ___ / 10 |
| TOTAL SCORE | ___ / 25 |
- Grammar & Mechanics: Use short, clear, and complete sentences. Check for spelling and punctuation errors.
- Content & Relevance: Thoughtfully answer all parts of the question and stay focused on the topic.
- Personal Impact/Compelling Story: Be authentic. Share real examples that help the reader connect with your story.
Before You Submit
- Did I answer every part of the question?
- Did I check grammar and spelling?
- Does my essay sound like me?
Yes! You can get free help from the Tutoring Center.
After You Apply
Log back into the scholarship application to see your status. The Foundation does not award any scholarships until after the application period is closed.
- Fall awards: Announced by mid-August
- Spring awards: Announced by late December
Funds are added to your student account by the third week of September (Fall) or the first week of February (Spring).
An email will be sent to your Hennepin Tech (my.hennepintech.edu) email informing you of your scholarship award status.
In the award status email you receive, click on the link to log back into the scholarship application.
- Accept the award
- Provide a thoughtful thank you message to the donor
- Provide a picture of yourself to share with the donor
You can receive a scholarship distribution in each semester you are attending Hennepin Tech.
No. Scholarships are applied to your tuition bill and cannot carry forward to use in future semesters. Federal Pell grants, MN State grants, SEOG grants, and subsidized and unsubsidized loans are applied after your scholarship award.