The Phillips Scholars Program recognizes and rewards private college students who strive to make life better for people with unmet needs in Minnesota communities. Phillips Scholars identify community concerns, explore ways to create social change, and develop ambitious programs that would meet varies needs of communities.

Students from 16 eligible private colleges and universities are invited to apply. Each campus will select a finalist, who will go on to compete for one of six Phillips Scholars awards.

Application PDF (368 KB)

Applications for the Phillips Scholarship Program are accepted in at the Minnesota Private College Council in late February of each year. Each campus will be asked to submit a Survey PDF (60 KB) prior to the application deadline. The selection committee meets in early March and scholars are notified of selection in mid-March. Selected scholars are encouraged to attend the Spring Luncheon celebration in mid-April.

Each campus has a campus-specific deadline for their applicants. Please see your campus resources for specific deadlines and details.

Campus Resources
Here are some helpful resources to consult on your campus:

• Financial Aid Offices
• Campus Ministry and Community Service departments
• Diversity and Multi-Cultural Leaders
• Service Learning Coordinators

Selection Process Guide PDF (159 KB) 
A helpful resource to obtain ideas for your application.

Scholar Summaries PDF (186 KB) 
Past scholar project descriptions by year, and by campus. See the number of scholars chosen from each campus.

Tips for Applicants PDF (88 KB)

Decisions are based on the following criteria:

• You have an excellent academic record (GPA 2.75+).
• You are enrolled at an eligible private college as a sophomore in the 2010-2011 academic year
• You have demonstrated FINANCIAL NEED.
• You aspire to serve disadvantaged people.
• You have a history of participating in campus activities and an interest in community service and volunteering. 
• You are committed to designing and implementing a Minnesota-focused service project in the 2012 Summer (8 weeks @ 40 hours per week).
• You are a student at one of the following private colleges or universities:
  Augsburg College
  Bethany Lutheran College
  Carleton College
  College of Saint Benedict
  The College of St. Scholastica
  Concordia College (Moorhead)
  Concordia University (St. Paul)
  Gustavus Adolphus College
  Hamline University
  Macalester College
  Minneapolis College of Art and Design
  Saint John's University
  Saint Mary's University of Minnesota
  St. Catherine University
  St. Olaf College
  University of St. Thomas

If you have any questions or need additional information, please read some scholar stories, get advice from a past scholar, and/or contact the Minnesota Private College Fund at (651) 293-6823 or (888) PRI-FUND or phillipsprogram@mnprivatecolleges.org

The Phillips Scholars Program is administered by the Minnesota Private College Fund in partnership with the financial aid offices of 16 private colleges and universities. The program is funded by The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation.