Helping union member students of color and their families attending Minnesota State colleges and universities
Join us for the 39th Annual
Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship Fundraising Dinner
April 16th, 2026 at
The Doubletree by Hilton Bloomington.
The endowment is a permanent reminder of Nellie Stone Johnson's contributions to civil rights, human rights and the rights of workforce cultural diversity initiatives focused on the recruitment, retention and program completion of greater numbers of students of color.
Labor & Education: Partners for the Future
Nellie Stone Johnson had a long and distinguished record of public service in support of the advancement of minority concerns, the rights of workers, and equal opportunities for all people. Her life was a series of "firsts."
Who was Nellie Stone Johnson?
Who are we?
The scholarship program was established by the former Minnesota State University System in 1989, as a part of the universities' cultural diversity initiative. MSUSA assisted in the program’s administration from 1997 to 2006. The scholarship program currently operates as an independent entity.
Ready to take the next step?
Whether you are most comfortable contributing time to help achieve our goals, a tax-deductible contribution to support students’ higher education pursuits, or are interested in sponsorship opportunities, we would like you in our corner.
“I’ve always believed that if people had a fair shake at a job, they’d be able to survive and keep building.
In most cases, a person with a decent job will push for a little more. A person with a decent job will seek a little more education, push for the children to get an education. My issues are feeding people and jobs.”
From interview by Doug Grow, “90-year-old activist won’t let age keep her from labor fight” Star Tribune, 17 December 1995.