Minneapolis-St Paul Act Six Scholars
Act Six Minneapolis-St. Paul

Calling Diverse Emerging Leaders Who Love Their City

Minneapolis-St. Paul's only full-tuition, full-need scholarship, Act Six brings together diverse, multicultural cadres of young people who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities.

This year, Act Six will award 38 of Minneapolis-St. Paul’s most promising urban leaders full scholarships worth up to $205,000 to five partner colleges.

University of Northwestern is not selecting new scholars in 2022-23

Discover How the Program Works

Act Six is a proven model for college success and community leadership. Learn more about the four-step process we use to find and equip diverse, transformative community leaders.

Learn More

The Application is Now Closed

The Application for Fall 2022 is now closed.

Connect a Student to a Life-Changing Opportunity

Know a student or group of students who are hungry to lead and could benefit from a full scholarship? Schedule a presentation or nominate a student.

Recruit Students

Who We're Looking For

Every year Act Six recruits diverse, multicultural cadres of Minneapolis-St Paul’s most promising emerging urban leaders. We look for young people who want to use their college education to make a difference on campus and in their communities at home.

Act Six scholars must be:
  • committed to anti-racism and compelled to work for justice and equity,
  • passionate about learning,
  • eager to foster intercultural relationships,
  • willing to step out of their comfort zones,
  • committed to serving those around them, and
  • ready to make a difference on campus and at home

The selection process also places high value on applicants’ teamwork, critical thinking, communication skills and academic potential.

Meet the Minneapolis-St. Paul Selection Committees

The Act Six Community Selection Committees represent diverse and talented teams of community leaders who work with young people from across our region and from a wide range of backgrounds as well as those working to increase college access in our state. The committees represent the kind of diverse cadre of talented leaders that they are working to select. Members of the selection committee are listed below.

  • Adora Land, Program Manager, Wilder Foundation
  • Bayza Weeks, College Transfer Counselor, University of St Thomas- Daughtery
  • Ben Petzel, Admissions Counselor, Bethany Lutheran College
  • Benny Roberts, CCC Director, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Beth  Harshbarger, Director of Admissions, North Central University
  • Brendan Williams, Director of Knowledge, Uaspire
  • Briana Harris, Staff, United Healthcare
  • Chanel Rivers, Director, United Healthcare
  • Dave Hawn, CEO, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Destyn Land, Alumni, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Frank Liu, Pastor, Cornerstone Reformed Church
  • Israel Lopez, Youth Pastor, Mt. Sinai
  • Jose Alvillar, Alumni, Augsburg University
  • Josh Ganados, Tree House Director, Tree House
  • Joshua Gillespie, Alumni, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • JP Howelerda, Director of Operations, LIME
  • Julia Berry, Admin, District 287
  • Kathryn Mayfield (Bonds), Staff, United Healthcare
  • Kristina Myankova, Alumni, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Lisa Fredericks, Act Six Program Assistant, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Mario Paez, VP, Insurance Services Professional Risk Group, USI insurance
  • Mayra Medina, College Place Director, ECMC
  • Melissa Liu, Homemaker/Educator, Classical Conversations
  • Miriam Medina, Act Six Progam Manager, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Olivia Lehnhoff, Admissions Counselor, Bethel University
  • Peneal Tirenuh, Alumni, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Richard Terrell, Lay Minister, New Creation Baptist
  • Sarah Spiegle, Events Manager, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Shania Castillo, Alumni, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation
  • Shia Moua, Admissions Counselor, University of Northwestern- STP
  • Shonna Fulford, Assistant Director of Admissions, Augsburg University
  • Sunet Rubalcava, Admissions Counselor, Concordia College Moorhead
  • Yolanda Martinez-Pineda, Student Advisor, El Colegio
  • Yosief Tenmewo, Alumni, Urban Ventures Leadership Foundation

Sound like you or a student you know?

Act Six Minneapolis-St. Paul by the Numbers

269

scholars selected
in 34 cadres since 2014,
with 65 graduates

93%

students of color,
82% low-income, and
71% first-generation

86%

have graduated
or are still enrolled
at an Act Six partner college

46%

volunteered on campus
or in the community

I have felt stretched and encouraged to grow to the fullest extent. There were times when I was forced to think outside of the box and at times this was difficult. But now, I thank the program for this. - Act Six Scholar

Take the Next Step Toward a Life-Changing Opportunity

Schedule a Presentation or Nominate a Student