About
Established in 1895, MSES is a professional non-profit organization dedicated to investing in Minnesota transportation infrastructure professionals. With over 600 members spanning public and private sector fields, MSES members contribute professionally in Minnesota as engineers, surveyors, planners, technicians, administrators, sales representatives, contractors, and construction personnel. MSES ensures continued industry excellence, innovation, integrity, and leadership through:
- Attracting and Building Tomorrow's Leaders
The MSES Annual Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving college students who demonstrate strong academic performance along with an interest in working in the Minnesotatransportation infrastructure industry. Since 1953, MSES has provided over 1.3 million dollars to more than 900 college students.
- Connecting and Engaging Professionals
MSES values the importance of connecting industry professionals through a variety of networking, social, and educational events offered throughout the year.
- Developing and Growing Meaningful Relationships
MSES members improve their current industry effectiveness through camaraderie fostered by active event participation, volunteer service, and fundraising opportunities.
Scholarship Requirements
Qualifications
Students who meet the following criteria are eligible to apply:
- Any Master of Urban and Regional Planning students enrolled at the Hubert H. Humphrey School of Public Affairs.
- Enrolled during the entire 2025-2026 academic year.
- Maintain “active status” during the entire 2025-2026 academic year.
- Pursuit of a career in the Minnesota transportation infrastructure industry, including:
- Government (DOT, county, city)
- Private Engineering Firms/Consultants
- Transportation Material Suppliers
- Contractors with a Construction Focus
- Geotechnical Engineering
- Structural Engineering
- Roadway Design
- Materials Testing
- Water Resources/Hydraulics
- ITS (Intelligent Transportation Systems)
- Traffic Engineering
- Transportation Planning
- Pavement Design
- Land Surveying
Submission Guidelines
Scholarship awards are based on a two-round determination process:
- Round One - Application and Transcript Submission
- MSES Scholarship Applications must be submitted on-line or sent to info@mses.org.
- Current transcript must be submitted via the MSES Scholarship Application to info@mses.org.
- All applications will be judged/scored by MSES Scholarship Committee volunteers based on a 100-point scale using the following scoring criteria:
- Transcript/GPA – 20
- Work/Internship Experience – 10
- Activities/Volunteer Experience – 15
- Essay - 20
- Personal Statement – 30
- MSES Feedback – 5
The top scoring applicants will be asked to progress to round two - the Interview.
2. Round Two - The Interview
- Top scoring applicants will be asked to schedule online video interviews with MSES Scholarship Committee volunteers.
- All interview responses will be judged/scored by the MSES Scholarship Committee volunteers.
Scholarships of up to $2,000 will be awarded based on the cumulative score of the submitted application and interview.
Questions?
Please contact MSES by phone at 612.708.1982 or email Heidi Holste, Executive Director at info@mses.org