“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.”
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.)
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