Application and eligibility

Learn how to apply to become an Urban Scholar. We welcome college and graduate students from diverse backgrounds.

Overview

We explain how to apply to become an Urban Scholar.

  • We encourage students from all backgrounds and majors to apply.
  • Our program has selected students with backgrounds in engineering, computer science, public health, historic preservation, accounting and many more majors.
  • We have a variety of projects for Urban Scholars.

What to know

Urban Scholars listening to speaker

 

Eligibility

Who can apply

To apply to our program, you must be:

  • Enrolled and in good standing at an accredited college, university, graduate program or law school, or
  • A recent graduate with a degree conferred in the last three months

Applications for Summer 2025 Urban Scholars are open February 17 through March 17, 2025.

Not eligible:

  • Students who are enrolled in post-secondary enrollment options (PSEO) and have not yet received their high school diploma are not eligible.

 

Requirements

You must also:

  • Have completed at least one year of post-secondary education
  • Be authorized to work in the United States
  • Be prepared to participate on a full-time basis (40 hours per week) from June 2, 2025, until August 15, 2025
  • Take part in the Urban Scholars Leadership Institute (USLI) in Minneapolis each week during the program. Read about USLI

Note:

  • You do not need to be a resident of Minneapolis to apply for the Urban Scholars program.

 

Undergraduate and associate degree students

Urban Scholars group of three

 

Before the start of the Urban Scholars program:

  • Candidates must have completed the first year of post-secondary education.
  • You can apply if you graduated in the last three months.
    • For example, if you earn your degree between March and May, you can apply to the current program.
    • If you graduated in the last three months and have not completed any graduate level coursework, please complete the undergraduate application.

Graduate students

Urban Scholar student
  • You must be enrolled and in good standing at an accredited graduate program or law school.
  • We encourage graduate students who are interested in learning more about careers in the public sector to apply.

International students

Urban Scholar student
  • Students who are F-1 Visa holders are eligible to apply.
  • Urban Scholars is considered off-campus work.
    • You must obtain either Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT) authorization.
    • Your college or university’s international student services office will start the work authorization process.
  • Please note that Urban Scholars cannot sponsor H-1B Visa holders.

Qualifications

Urban Scholars should have these four qualifications. We encourage you to display these qualifications throughout the application and interview process.

Cultural competency

  • The ability to understand, appreciate and interact with people from cultures or belief systems other than your own.

Altruism

  • Care about other people and their needs without regard for your own needs.
  • Think about other groups who have a stake or interest in various projects, initiatives or activities.

Teamwork and collaboration

  • Take a broad view of the team concept.
  • Consider values, opinions and preferences of other group members in completing tasks and in decision-making.

Resiliency and adaptability

  • Show resiliency in the face of obstacles, setbacks and other sources of stress.
  • Adapt well to changing conditions.
  • Recognize when changes in priorities, direction or the pace of activities appear necessary.

Applications

Applications are closed for the 2025 Urban Scholars program. Applications for the 2026 program will open in February 2026.

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Contact us

Urban Scholars

Human Resources Department

 LinkedIn

 

Email Urban Scholars

 

Phone

612-673-2282

 

Address

City Hall
350 S. 5th St., Room 1
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours

8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday