“The State Grant allows me to not have that additional worry of acquiring finances each semester. It gives me the security to pursue my academic goals.”
Stories
Read stories from students and families who have benefited from the State Grant program. Use the search box above to find stories about specific people or institutions.
Use our Submit a story form to share your story. (Please note that all stories will be reviewed by our staff before they show up in the list below.)
Abass Noor
Hometown:
New Hope
School:
Macalester College
Class of
2013
Major:
Biology with a biochemistry focus
Extra-curriculars:
Participates in Mac Slam (a Slam Poetry organization), edits the newsletter for Afrika! (a student organization), co-chairs the Muslim Student Organization and belongs to Minnesota’s Future Doctors at the University of Minnesota.
"I'm the oldest child in a family of six kids, so going to college was like jumping in the deep end for our family. Because of the State Grant, I could look at all different types of colleges and choose the one for me. I couldn't have done that without the assistance of grants and scholarships."
Ben Honda
Hometown:
Oakdale
School:
Hamline University
Class of
2013
Major:
International Business, Spanish
Minor:
Linguistics
Extra-curriculars:
Student worker in Undergraduate Admissions office, new student mentor/orientation leader, member of Hamline Dance Ensemble and participant in a theater production.
“The State Grant actually makes it affordable for me to attend college. It’s nice to have some extra support, in addition to my loans. I chose to go to a private college for the low student-to-teacher ratio and for the quality of education I’d receive; I probably wouldn’t have been able to attend if not for grants.”
Amal Younis
Hometown:
Blaine
School:
Concordia University, St. Paul
Class of
2015
Major:
English with a journalism emphasis
Minor:
Political Science
Extra-curriculars:
A member of United Minds of Joint Action and Concordia Sisterhood Empowerment at Concordia. Has a work-study job in the financial aid office.
“We’re not financially well-off and I’ve always known that I’d have to work hard to get what I want. I don’t think I’d be at a private college or maybe even college without the State Grant. I’m so grateful that I can be here. I believe that what I’m getting is a quality education and I love everything about Concordia.”
Kylie Windecker
Hometown:
Moorhead
School:
Concordia College, Moorhead
Class of
2016
Major:
Social Studies Education
Extra-curriculars:
Hall council president of her dorm, participates in the Campus Service Commission, working with New American services in an elementary ELL classroom, member of the Remedy, a Christian group that meets on campus. Works at Payless Shoes part-time.
“My college attendance is based on the financial aid that I get. I have a stepbrother in college, so my stepdad has to pay for that. I chose Saint Ben’s because it was a Minnesota college and I knew I needed the State Grant to help pay for tuition.”
Eliora Yokanan
Hometown:
St. Paul
School:
College of Saint Benedict / Saint John’s University
Class of
2016
Major:
Global Business
Extra-curriculars:
On the Parliamentary Debate Team and serves as special events assistant with the 5C Club, a group that helps Chinese international students plan events on campus. Has a work study job at the Duplicating and Mailing Center on campus.
"Because my dad has ALS and is on disability retirement, our family income is cut in half. It was relief to get the State Grant so I don't have to worry about loans as much. My experience at Bethel would be more stressful and I'd have to work more without it."
Emily Young
Hometown:
Coon Rapids
School:
Bethel University
Class of
2015
Major:
Business with an emphasis in Human Resource Management
Extra-curriculars:
Intramural volleyball player, student worker in the financial aid office and an ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease) fundraising volunteer.
"The State Grant is letting me be a part of extracurriculars like theatre. Without it, I wouldn't be able to have the friends I have or live on campus. I'd be trying to work full-time to help pay for college. That would definitely be a negative experience."
Alyssa Gratz
Hometown:
Mankato
School:
Bethany Lutheran College
Class of
2013
Major:
Psychology
Minor:
Theatre and Sociology
Extra-curriculars:
Acts in the college's main stage productions in the fall and spring, works part-time at Taco John's and is a freelance photographer.
"Money is definitely an issue; I wouldn’t be here if not for grants and scholarships. It’s great when money doesn’t have to hold you back. Things like the State Grant allow you the opportunity to go to college, opening the door to future possibilities."
Yeng Vang
Hometown:
Minneapolis
School:
Augsburg University
Class of
2014
Major:
Psychology
Extra-curriculars:
Student worker in the enrollment center, member of the Augsburg Asian Student Association