Minnesota State Fair Skilled Trades Scholarship

Eligibility

• Be a resident of Minnesota.
• Be entering a skilled-trade career or furthering existing skilled-trade training.
• Applicants of any age may qualify.
• Eligible pathways may include postsecondary education, apprenticeships, technical schools, or vocational schools focused on skilled trades.
• Have rural residency or be enrolled in an agriculture program.
• Indicate anticipated participation in the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
• Previous Minnesota State Fair Scholarship recipients are not eligible.

Requirements

• Complete the online Minnesota State Fair Scholarship application.
• Submit a letter of recommendation.
• Describe past involvement with the Minnesota State Fair.
• Describe anticipated participation in the 2026 Minnesota State Fair.
• Explain why you want to enter a skilled-trade profession.
• Describe community service or volunteer activities.
• Describe future goals.

How to Apply

1. 1Confirm Minnesota residency and skilled-trade training plans.
2. 2Confirm rural residency or agriculture-program participation.
3. 3Complete the online Minnesota State Fair scholarship application.
4. 4Answer the skilled-trade application questions.
5. 5Obtain and submit the required recommendation letter.
6. 6Submit the complete application by the published deadline.
7. 7If selected, provide proof of paid tuition or qualifying training costs and complete required donor thank-you notes.