Scholarship Description:
The Elizabeth Pegues Scholarship Matching Program supports students of color pursuing a bachelor’s degree at a Minnesota State university by matching external scholarship awards. This program provides a dollar-for-dollar match of up to $1,000 for students who have received a qualifying scholarship from a Minnesota-based organization, helping maximize financial support and reduce barriers to completion.
The scholarship is named in honor of Elizabeth A. Pegues-Smart (1931–2009), a prominent African American leader, trailblazer, and former president of the Minnesota State University Board. Despite facing early educational barriers, Pegues-Smart rose to executive leadership roles and dedicated her career to serving the public interest in higher education. This scholarship reflects her enduring commitment to access, equity, and opportunity for students of color.
Eligibility Criteria:
To be eligible for the Elizabeth Pegues Scholarship Matching Program, applicants must:
- Identify as a student of color
- Be a Minnesota resident and have graduated from a Minnesota high school or from a Minnesota community or technical college
- Be unconditionally accepted to one of the seven Minnesota State universities
- Have received a scholarship from a Minnesota-based civic, religious, fraternal, social, or nonprofit youth-serving organization