Eligibility and application

We welcome college and graduate students from diverse backgrounds to apply.

Application details

Eligibility

To apply to our program, you must be:

  • Enrolled at an accredited college, university, graduate program or law school, or
  • A recent graduate with a degree conferred in the last year

Do not apply if you are on academic hold or probation.

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) for 12 weeks.

See answers to common questions about eligibility

Timeline

The application window for 2023 is open from January 23 to February 13, 2023.

See application timeline

Four qualifications

Urban Scholars should have these four qualifications. In your essay, you should explain how you apply these in your daily life.

Qualification Description
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
  • Shows 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.

Application form

Application attachments

In addition to the application, you need to submit: 

  • Your resume
  • An unofficial transcript
  • An application essay

Note: Please do not send any additional attachments, such as references, unless we ask for them.

Application essay

Your essay should be:

  • One to two pages long
  • Describe how you have exhibited each of our four qualifications in your work, school and personal life

Apply

The general application contains all the details you'll need to know in order to submit your application. Be sure to read it thoroughly before you apply.

Apply to be an Urban Scholar

Metropolitan Council

If you are interested in being an Urban Scholar at the Metropolitan Council use this application.

Apply here to be an Urban Scholar at Metropolitan Council

Contact us

Urban Scholars

Civil Rights Department

 LinkedIn

 

Phone

612-673-3012

Address

City Hall
350 Fifth St. S., Room 239
Minneapolis, MN 55415

Office hours

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Monday – Friday