ARE YOU THE NEXT MISS MINNESOTA?

When you compete within the Miss America Organization umbrella, you not only have the opportunity to win scholarships to further for your education, you will make lasting friendships and have memories that last a lifetime in this life-changing experience.

Miss Minnesota has the opportunity to represent our state at Miss America. Wearing the Miss Minnesota crown or the crown of a local titleholder allows a young woman access to mentors in her field. It is a year of opportunity for many young women who find doors open that they may have never imagined. It is a chance to use her talents and passions to do something important for their communities and bring meaning to their lives. 

AM I ELIGIBLE TO COMPETE?
To become a candidate in Miss Minnesota, a candidate must first win a local preliminary competition to compete to represent her state, a process requiring personal commitment, hard work and talent.

Never Before 
​Competed in any National Finals of the Miss America Organization.

NEW!  Miss Age Requirements
  • Must be at least nineteen (19) years of age by December 31 of the year of the state competition.
  • Must not be older than twenty-six (26) years of age on December 31 the year of the State Competition

This competition year 2022 – Grandfather Clause
  • Candidates who are 18 by December 31, 2022, can choose to compete in either the Miss or Teen Program. However, she must be a high school graduate by July 31st, 2022, if she chooses to compete in the Miss Program.
  • Note: this grandfather clause will NOT be in effect for the 2023 State & Local Competition season.

For the avoidance of doubt, a contestant cannot turn twenty-six (26) years of age at any time during the calendar year in which she will compete at state.

For ages 13 to 18, candidates must compete at MAOTeen level. See Here for eligibility.

Residence
New Rules for Residency (9/19):
1) Reducing the six-month residency requirement to thirty (30) days prior to a local competition and ninety (90) days prior to a state competition without locals;
2) Eliminating the requirement to complete at least one semester and allowing college/university acceptance and enrollment to physically attend classes; and
3) Reducing the twenty-six weeks of full-time employment to sixty (60) days of continuous full-time employment.  

Citizenship
Must be a citizen of the United States of America at the time she enters her first competition.

Education
Must be a high school graduate or have successfully completed the GED testing program for high school equivalency or have successfully completed the academic requirements for entry into a college/university degree program by July 30th immediately preceding the National Finals.

Additional Requirements can be found in candidate local contract.

Minnesota Awards Over $200,000 in SCHOLARSHIPS

Did you know the Miss America Organization is the largest provider of scholarships exclusively for women in the world?
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​Each year, in addition to the national organization, state and local organizations makes available more than $40 million in cash and tuition scholarship assistance.​​​ In Minnesota, the scholarships are provided by passionate sponsors and volunteers who make this organization run. Many different types of scholarships are available at the local, state and national levels of competition, based on talent, competition performance or field of study. You already start winning scholarships when you compete in a local competition.
  • Cash Scholarships
  • Awards & Prizes
  • Contributors
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Scholarships awarded reflect achievements of a candidate during the competition, but many other scholarship opportunities are available to women who compete at the local and state levels, whether or not they win the a local or the Miss Minnesota title. 
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Cash scholarships mean that the scholarship is paid directly to the winner's student loan or tuition bill, making the award exempt from taxes. Therefore, these awards don't require that a student attend a specific college or university to benefit from the award. In addition, there are a number of in-kind scholarships and preparation support that is offered, making the competition effort worthwhile for every young woman who competes.

​Local Competition Scholarships & Awards
​Each candidate who wins a local competition wins at least a $500 scholarship, crown, sash and entry fee to the state competition ($400 value). Additional scholarship awards are given at each competition. These awards vary so check with the Local Executive Director about opportunities that are available at each competition.

Miss Minnesota State Competition Scholarships
2021 Winner $10,000
1st Runner Up $2,000
2nd Runner Up $1,300
3rd Runner Up $1,000
4th runner up $700
Semi-finalists 7 each $150
Non-finalists 10 each $100
Total: $17, 050

Competition Awards
Preliminary Talent Winners (2 @ $500) $1,000 - McNeil Chestnut, and Lauren Green '84 & Ted Nikolas
La 'Marella Evening Wear/Social Impact Statement (2 @ $250) $500
CMN Miracle Maker Award $350, by Brooke Kelly Kilgarriff '09 & MESFI
Brooke Kilgarriff '09 Rookie Talent Award $250
Non-Finalist Talent Award $200
#FightLikeGina STEM Scholarship $500
Shelly & Marvin Bartlett, LOVE of Giving Scholarship $1000
Jacquie Jenkins and Karla Boettcher Hostess Spirit Award $1200
Bailey Sorvig-Richert Miss Congeniality  $250
Sister to Sister Legacy Award - $250 (Awarded to the new Miss Minnesota)
Sister to Sister Rookie Award - $250 (Highest scoring first time candidate)
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Scholarships awarded during the year
Service-A-Thon - 1st Place Award  $900
Service-A-Thon - 2nd Place Award  $450
Service-A-Thon Local Competition - 1st Place Award  $900
Service-A-Thon Local Competition - 2nd Place Award  $450

​In-Kind Scholarships & Awards
​Dale Carnegie Program Scholarship for Miss Minnesota - Each Local Titleholder Receives a MN North Central US Region Dale Carnegie Program Scholarship worth $1,995 - $47,880
*Sherman College of Chiropractic - $119,000  ​​*Restrictions apply to receive this award.

Total In-Kind Scholarships $192,930

Awards & Prizes for the Winner of the Miss Minnesota Title

Photos by Paula Preston Photographer
Official Crown, Crown Box, Crown Pin 
Bouquet of Flowers
Miss Minnesota Trophy
Trip to Miss America Pageant
Trip to Miss America's Outstanding Teen Competition
Additional awards have included:
Wardrobe Allowance 
Official Crown Portrait, hair and makeup
Dale Carnegie Training
Paperwork Prep
Nutrition Guidance and Fitness Training
Media Training
Airbrush Tanning
Teeth Whitening
Luggage
Spa Package
Gas allowance
Custom Jacket, Tee, Leggings, Jersey
Eyelash Boost
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Sponsorship & Scholarship Contributors 

Kwik Trip
Dale Carnegie
La 'Marella Skin Care
McNeil Chestnut
Sister to Sister – Former Miss Minnesota's
​Sherman College of Chiropractic
Brooke Kelly Kilgarriff Scholarships
Lauren (Green) & Ted Nikolis Preliminary Talent Award
Dr. Glenn Harman Scholarship
Karla Boettcher & Jacquie Jenkins – Hostess Spirit Award
Jo Bender – Miss Minnesota Scholarship Contributor
Shelly & Marvin Bartlett – Love of Giving Scholarship
Shawn Anne Buttschau & Team Kick Buttschau - Healthy Living Scholarship
Gina Cavanagh Family - #FightLikeGina STEM Scholarship
Bailey Sorvig Richert - Congeniality Scholarship
Legacy Group Consulting
Katherine Majkrzak
Nichole Fairbanks
Kathy Shellum
Shelly Johnson
Luke & Brenda Merchlewitz
Lori Volz
Anonymous donors

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I Eligible to Compete?
Refer to eligibility information at the top of this page.
What are the Entry Fees
Miss America has set up a new criteria for entering a local competition. We are currently in the process of updating this information.
What does Miss Minnesota Do?
​​After Miss Minnesota is selected she embarks on her 'year of service.' As a spokesperson and advocate, Miss Minnesota travels throughout the state, addressing diverse audiences, increasing awareness and promoting her chosen platform.
What's the benefit of Competing?
​Alumna of the local and state competitions have gone on to become leaders in their field. Whether or not you win a title, the experience and camaraderie propel many young women to success. 
If I don't win, can I still earn Scholarships?
​Yes! See the many cash scholarships listed above.
What are the Competition Categories?
Single Night State & All Local Competition Scoring
35% Private Interview 
15% Onstage Interview/Social Impact Pitch
35% Talent 
15% Red Carpet (formerly known as evening gown)
How Do I get Started?
​Go to the Local Competitions and find a date and location that works for you. Contact information for each local competition is found by clicking on the crown for their competition. If you are unsure about which would be right for you, click on the Contact Us link below and include your birthday, where you live/work/go to school, and you will be referred to a competition contact.
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​Interested in competing?

Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

​You must win a local title before you can compete at state at the Miss Minnesota Scholarship Competition.

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    Yes, I Want To Compete!