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

Are you the next
Miss Minnesota's Teen?
Contact Jodi to learn more!

The Miss Minnesota Teen Competition is the sister program to the Miss Minnesota and Miss America Opportunity. The Miss Minnesota Teen Competition has been organized to encourage positive achievement by helping to nurture and build the scholastic achievement, creative accomplishment, healthy living and community involvement of our nation’s youth. This competition is intended to encourage and reward the talent, communication skills, community service, and academic achievement of girls between 13 and 18 years of age. (See eligibility requirements below.)
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Miss Minnesota’s Teen has many roles during her year of service.  She represents her State Organization, the National Miss America’s Teen Organization, the young women she competed with, and all young people her age, as well as promoting her chosen Platform Issue.  In addition, she prepares to compete at the Miss America's Teen National competition in a location to be announced in July/August. She accepts these responsibilities by always conducting herself in an “Outstanding” manner.
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Miss Minnesota’s Teen may be called upon to appear at a variety of functions throughout her state, where she will be asked to speak, possibly perform her talent, and interact with people of all ages. She sets an example of someone who has passion and initiative regarding her personal platform.

A Miss Minnesota Teen’s Year of Service is an exciting, busy, and important year in her life. She is an exceptional, charismatic young woman who leaves an inspiring and enduring impression on everyone she meets.
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Am I Eligible? 

​CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY (the below is copy and pasted from the Miss America website)

Eligibility for 2026 and beyond.To become a local or state participant for the Competition Cycle 2026, (some states starting locals in March of 2024) competing as a State Titleholder at nationals in January 2026, you must meet the age criteria as shown below.  
  • Miss America 18-28 – must be 18 by state competition,  and no older than 27 at state competition
  • Miss America’s Teen 14-17 –  must be 14 by state competition and no older than 17 at state competition.
  •  Eligibility
  • Competition
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Eligibility Requirements

Here's how to join the Class of 2025 and compete next summer at the ​Miss Minnesota's Teen Competition:

Why participate? Do it for the…
  • Applause!  Receive recognition for your efforts and your community
  • Personal Development – Gain valuable experience and develop life skills
  • Crown & Awards! Winners receive scholarships toward tuition for college/grad school & a crown!
  • Glamour – Red carpet moments await.
  • Adventure…..Explore new interests, discover new opportunities
  • Sisterhood! Make lifelong friends with other like-minded motivated women
  • Growth….Foster a positive, self-motivated mindset to achieve your goals   

​​CHECK YOUR ELIGIBILITY (the below is copy and pasted from the Miss America website)
Eligibility for 2026 and beyond. To become a local or state participant for the Competition Cycle 2026, (some states starting locals in March of 2024) competing as a State Titleholder at nationals in January 2026, you must meet the age criteria as shown below.  
  • Miss America 18-28 – must be 18 by state competition,  and no older than 27 at state competition
  • Miss America’s Teen 14-17 –  must be 14 by state competition and no older than 17 at state competition.
For All Ages you must ALSO meet criteria as shown below:
  • Be a United States citizen
  • Be a female
  • Single
  • No legal dependents
  • Meet residency requirements for competing in your city or state - Contestants must have residency in Minnesota for 6 months prior to competing in a first local competition. Some local competitions also have geographic restrictions - contact the local director for more information. 
  • Residency is defined as the primary address where you physically live. You may be asked to present proof of residency if you have recently moved.
  • Contestants may also enter "at large," which means they can select a title associated with where they live or go to school. There is a fee to compete "at large" and the local title selected must be approved by the Teen Director.  Contestants must have residency for 6 months prior to being awarded At-Large title.

Areas of Competition and New Scoring 

Judging Criteria for the Miss Minnesota's Teen Competition
There are five areas of competition for the Miss Minnesota Teen Competition. They are as follows:
  • Judge's Interview (9 minutes)
  • Talent (90 seconds)
  • Health & Fitness
  • Evening Gown
  • On Stage Question  
Each contestant must also have a Community Service Initiative they will advocate for during their year of service. 
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Private Interview (30% of total score)
Wardrobe:
  • Contestants Choice - Fashionable Interview Attire (age appropriate).
Timing:
  • 30 second opening, 9 minute Q&A, optional 30 second "optional" wrap up or closing statement.
Procedures
  • The Contestant will be standing at a podium in front of the 5-7 person judging panel.
  • Each Contestant is introduced and will take her position and immediately present a brief 30-second introduction/Community Service Initiative overview. Once the CSI intro is completed, the judges begin the interview.
  • At (9:30) nine-minute thirty second mark, timekeeper indicates (30) seconds remaining for interview. The Judge's Chair will inform the contestant of remaining time and contestant may choose to use the time to finish her response to the last question or proceed in a closing statement.
  • At the 10 minute mark, the timekeeper stands, and the head judge indicates the interview time is up. Concluding that contestant's private interview phase regardless of where the response is at. 
Purpose - Allows Insight Into the contestant's:
  • Ability to fulfill the qualifications, responsibilities, duties, and term of the titleholder.
  • Personal qualities and attributes relevant to the titleholder position.
  • Commitment to her community service initiative.
  • Ability to express her own beliefs in an authentic and relatable manner.
  • Sense of accomplishments /goals above and beyond the fact sheet.
  • Spontaneity, intelligence, sense of humor, charm and charisma.
  • Authenticity and ability to answer questions in a conversational, unrehearsed manner
  • Ability to serve as a role model and if she is reflective of her generation.  Teens may be asked age appropriate current event questions that are relevant to their generation.

Talent (20% of total score)
Wardrobe
  • Contestant's Choice; should be age appropriate
Timing
  • Up to 90 seconds
Purpose
  • To underscore the Miss America’s Teen commitment to supporting performance arts education initiatives and women’s individual efforts in dance, music, opera/vocal, drama, magic, oratory and circus arts.
Procedure:
  • The organization will present each contestant on stage that will not exceed 90 seconds per contestant.
Performance Talent Requirements:
  • Talent must be approved by Miss Minnesota's Teen organization both style and music.
Allows Insight into the contestant's:
  • Preparatory, performance or storytelling skills.
  • Overall presentation skills and ability to deliver a captivating presentation.
  • Interpretive ability and entertainment value relative to the category of performance art.
  • Stage presence, on-stage personality and personal connection to her story.
  • Allows a look at the totality of the performance elements of on stage presentation.
  • Ability to capture the attention of an audience while performing on stage.
​​Evening Wear  (20% of total score)
Wardrobe:
  • Contestant's Choice of Evening Wear; should be age appropriate. Can be dress, pantsuit, or what the contestant would wear to a formal function.
Choreography:
  • Choreography and timing will be rehearsed competition weekend
Purpose:
  • Contestant will publicly present her sense of style wearing an outfit in a fashion suitable for an appearance as  Miss Minnesota's teen. Part of a titleholder’s role is to attend galas, fundraisers, awards shows, and other formal events. This often involves walking a red carpet, posting for the press photographers, modeling in fashion shows, promoting various national fashion designers who partner with Miss America or Miss America’s Teen programs.
Allows Insight into the delegate’s:
  • Ability to capture attention on stage, and individual stage presence.
  • Comfort, confidence, and composure.
  • Overall impression of ability to represent the Miss America or Miss America’s Teen Organization at a high profile event.
  • Scoring is based on how the delegate carries herself/performs in this phase of competition, not on the actual gown she is wearing or the perceived cost of that gown.
On Stage Question (10% of total score)
Wardrobe
  • Contestant to be in Opening Number Apparel
Purpose:
  • This question will be asked immediately following any opening presentation/choreography. This will be the first phase of competition.
Questions:
  • The preliminary conversation question will be a single question asked onstage regarding the contestant's Community Service Initiative (CSI)
Timing:
  • Response should not be longer than 30 seconds.
Allows Insight into the delegate’s:
  • Commitment to the Service point of the crown.
  • Unique perspective on community service and it’s local impact.
  • Desire to create interest in her community service initiatives.
  • Brings the interview to the stage in an interactive engaging way to showcase each delegate.
  • Highlights intelligence, personality, charisma, and aptitude for the titleholder’s opportunity.
  • Allows a look at the sense of composure in presenting ideas on stage.
  • Allows a look at interactivity with the panelists and the audience.
Health & Fitness (20% of total score)
Wardrobe:
  • Contestant's choice of fitness in an approved Rebel Athletic Wear outfit of black bottoms and athletic top with tennis shoes. Bottoms can be shorts, pants, capri, or skirt. Sleeve length can be decided by Delegate. Tops must be athletic tops and should not look like swim suits.
​Procedure:
  • The organization will present each contestant in a pre-blocked stage pattern. Video will be sent out.
Purpose:
  • This phase of competition is where the contestant showcases her commitment to health - physically and mentally - and health initiatives.  This phase will include the emcee reading a statement written by the contestant on her experience with self-care, health goals, and mental well being. A contestant's discipline and commitment to being healthy is a key to success in all other areas of life, and the rigors of representing the Miss Minnesota’s Teen program as a State titleholder.
Allows Insight Into:
  • The contestant's comfort and confidence level on stage.
  • The contestant's overall impression of health and commitment.
  • On stage presentation and energy, comfort in front of an audience, confidence.
  • The contestant's spontaneity, and lack of “robotic” stage presentation.
  • Ability to determine if contestant could serve as national ambassador.
Judges to evaluate the following:
  • Overall First impression of a Dynamic Presence, Radiates Health, High Energy, Engaging Vitality and a Sense of Confidence.
The following links include:
​* Miss America ​approved HERStory - Talent List

* Rebel Athletics is the official Health & Fitness Sponsor.  All local contestants must wear the Miss America Rebel line, can be used in as many locals as you wish.  State will require a new Rebel outfit. 

* The Miss America Style Guide are suggestions on what to wear during Health & Fitness.

Scholarships & Awards 2024

Miss Minnesota's Teen 2024 receives a prize package valued at over $30,000:
  • $2,500 educational scholarship
  • Miss Minnesota's Teen Crown,  Sash, Pin, and Crown Box*
  • Trip to Compete for Miss America's Teen 
  • Kwik Trip Sponsorship (as needed)
  • National Headshot by Paula Preston Photography 
  • Lifestyle photo shoots by: JoybyJoy Photography and Jared Fessler Photography
  • Consulting and Preparation services by: Cheri Kennedy and Coaching by Autumn
  • National Wardrobe Allowances by The Pageant Shop; Regalia Magnificent Apparel; Rubi Jubi
  • Miss Minnesota's Teen Jacket & Leggings courtesy of Pro Biz Sports
  • 2 Custom crystal Clutches & Business Card holder by Niki Lassiter
  • 3 Private Training sessions with Adam Spiker, Personal Training
  • Custom Airbrush Tan throughout the year
  • Hair (cut & color) plus 3 blowouts by Gianna Capuzzi 
  • Dream Duffle Luggage​
  • Dance Studio Space for rehearsal/practice by Lorenz Dance & Tumbling
*These awards were underwritten (in order listed) by our former Miss Minnesota's Teens:
Bella Grill '22, Julia '22 & Emily '17 Schumacher, Rachel Weyandt '15, Bailey Wacholz '12

​Competition Placement Scholarships
Miss Minnesota’s Teen:  $2,500
1st Runner Up:      $1,000
2nd Runner Up:    $ 750
Remaining Top 6: $150
Competition Awards
​Eden Webb Top Interview Award $250 - in honor of Katherine Majkrzak
Dr Glenn Harman Preliminary Talent Night 1: $250
Eden Webb Preliminary Talent Night 2: $250 - in honor of Shelly Johnson
The Pageant Shop Preliminary Night 1 & 2: $100 Certificate
Rachel Luchsinger On Stage Question $150
Glenn Harman Non-Finalist Talent Award $250
Elegant Edge Overall Evening Gown: $250 Certificate
                                                                   
​Special Awards
Chantal Wilson Scholastic Award $300
Mary Swenson Confidence &  Poise Award $250
Katlyn Ziegler Talent Essay Award $125
La Marella Congeniality Award $500 Gift Basket
Hostess Show Us Your Shoes - $100 Certificate