ARE YOU THE NEXT MISS MINNESOTA?
When you compete within the Miss America Opportunity 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 contestant 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 Opportunity.
Eligibility for 2026 and beyond. (copied and pasted from Miss America website)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.
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.
Must be female - provide a birth certificate upon request
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 contestant local contract.
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 contestant 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 Opportunity.
Eligibility for 2026 and beyond. (copied and pasted from Miss America website)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.
- Be a United States citizen
- Be a female
- Single
- No legal dependents
- Meet residency requirements for competing in your city or state
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.
Must be female - provide a birth certificate upon request
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 contestant local contract.
Minnesota Awards Over $200,000 in Cash and
In-kind Scholarships in last five years!
Did you know the Miss America Opportunity is the largest provider of scholarships exclusively for women in the world?
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.
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.
Scholarships awarded reflect achievements of a contestant 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.
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 contestant 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.
2024 Miss Minnesota Competition Scholarships
2024 Winner $10,000
1st Runner Up $2,000
2nd Runner Up $1,400
3rd Runner Up $1,200
4th runner Up $1,000
Semi-finalists 5 each $150
Total: $16,350
Competition Awards
Preliminary Talent Winners (2 @ 500) $1,000
* provided by Lauren Green & Ted Nikilos & McNeil Chestnut
Dr. Glenn Harman - Juliana Gabor '70 Memorial Non-Finalist Talent Award - $300
Miss Congeniality Award - La'Marella Gift Basket - $500
#FightLikeGina STEM Scholarship - Cavanagh Family $500
LOVE of Giving Scholarship (Shelly Bartlett - 2 x $500) $1000
Overall Evening Gown Award - Jodi Pinske - $250
Moxie Interview Award, Sammi Massie - $300
Sister to Sister Legacy Award - $250
Sister to Sister Highest Scoring Rookie Award - $250
100 X Survey Scholarship Award - $500
Additional Scholarships Awarded: $3,800
In-Kind Scholarships & Awards
Tuition-Free Dale Carnegie Program Scholarship for Miss Minnesota
Each Local Titleholder Receives a MN North Central US Region Dale Carnegie Program Scholarship worth $$2495 X 24 - $59,880, includes a DiSC personality profile, an AI coach, and an online resource portal.
Academy of Glam - $6,250
Preliminary Evening Wear (2 gift certificates @ $250) $500
* provided by The Pageant Shop - Sarah Moses
Show us Your Shoes Award - Miss Minnesota Hostesses - $100 gift certificate
Total In-Kind Scholarships $66,730
*restrictions apply
GRAND TOTAL CASH & IN-KIND Scholarships & Awards: $86,880
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 contestant 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.
2024 Miss Minnesota Competition Scholarships
2024 Winner $10,000
1st Runner Up $2,000
2nd Runner Up $1,400
3rd Runner Up $1,200
4th runner Up $1,000
Semi-finalists 5 each $150
Total: $16,350
Competition Awards
Preliminary Talent Winners (2 @ 500) $1,000
* provided by Lauren Green & Ted Nikilos & McNeil Chestnut
Dr. Glenn Harman - Juliana Gabor '70 Memorial Non-Finalist Talent Award - $300
Miss Congeniality Award - La'Marella Gift Basket - $500
#FightLikeGina STEM Scholarship - Cavanagh Family $500
LOVE of Giving Scholarship (Shelly Bartlett - 2 x $500) $1000
Overall Evening Gown Award - Jodi Pinske - $250
Moxie Interview Award, Sammi Massie - $300
Sister to Sister Legacy Award - $250
Sister to Sister Highest Scoring Rookie Award - $250
100 X Survey Scholarship Award - $500
Additional Scholarships Awarded: $3,800
In-Kind Scholarships & Awards
Tuition-Free Dale Carnegie Program Scholarship for Miss Minnesota
Each Local Titleholder Receives a MN North Central US Region Dale Carnegie Program Scholarship worth $$2495 X 24 - $59,880, includes a DiSC personality profile, an AI coach, and an online resource portal.
Academy of Glam - $6,250
Preliminary Evening Wear (2 gift certificates @ $250) $500
* provided by The Pageant Shop - Sarah Moses
Show us Your Shoes Award - Miss Minnesota Hostesses - $100 gift certificate
Total In-Kind Scholarships $66,730
*restrictions apply
GRAND TOTAL CASH & IN-KIND Scholarships & Awards: $86,880
Awards & Prizes for the Winner of the Miss Minnesota Title
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Official Crown, Crown Box, Crown Pin - The Wedding Guys Bouquet of Flowers - 651 Studio & Floral Design Miss Minnesota Trophy Trip to Miss America Competition and Miss America's Teen Competition Additional awards have included: Wardrobe Allowance The Pageant Shop - Sarah Moses Regalia Magnificent Apparel The Elegant Edge Rubi Jubi Official Crown Portrait, hair and makeup (Paula Preston Photographer, Penny Wells & Andrew Schmitz) Custom evening bag by Creations by Niki - Niki Lassiter Gift certificate from Niki Lassiter to create own bag Dale Carnegie Training Cheri Kennedy Consulting Spiker Fitness Nutrition Guidance and Fitness Training Media Training Teeth Whitening Dream Duffel Custom Jacket, Tee, Leggings, Jersey - ProBiz Sports BeLashii - Eyelashes Gas cards provided by KWIK TRIP |
Sponsorship & Scholarship Contributors
Treasure Island Resort & Casino
Miss America Opportunity
Kwik Trip
Dale Carnegie
Gretchen Carlson
McNeil Chestnut Scholarship Preliminary Talent Award
Sister to Sister – Former Miss Minnesota's
Lake Country Mustang Club
Lauren (Green) & Ted Nikolis Preliminary Talent Award
Dr. Glenn Harman Scholarship - Juliana Gabor '70 Memorial Non-Finalist Talent
100 X Survey Scholarships
Niki Lassiter and Creations by Niki
Shelly & Marvin Bartlett – Love of Giving Scholarship
Katherine Majkrzak & Medtronic Match
Gina Cavanagh Family - #FightLikeGina STEM Scholarship
Heather Sandkuhler & Allina Match
Megan Ehlert
Kathy & Don Shellum
Tim & Kathy Yeh
Sammi Massie - Moxie Rookie Interview Award
Jodi Pinske
Miss Minnesota Hostess Committee
MESFI
Star of the North Century Club
Anonymous donors
Miss America Opportunity
Kwik Trip
Dale Carnegie
Gretchen Carlson
McNeil Chestnut Scholarship Preliminary Talent Award
Sister to Sister – Former Miss Minnesota's
Lake Country Mustang Club
Lauren (Green) & Ted Nikolis Preliminary Talent Award
Dr. Glenn Harman Scholarship - Juliana Gabor '70 Memorial Non-Finalist Talent
100 X Survey Scholarships
Niki Lassiter and Creations by Niki
Shelly & Marvin Bartlett – Love of Giving Scholarship
Katherine Majkrzak & Medtronic Match
Gina Cavanagh Family - #FightLikeGina STEM Scholarship
Heather Sandkuhler & Allina Match
Megan Ehlert
Kathy & Don Shellum
Tim & Kathy Yeh
Sammi Massie - Moxie Rookie Interview Award
Jodi Pinske
Miss Minnesota Hostess Committee
MESFI
Star of the North Century Club
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.
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
30% Private Interview
10% On Stage Question
20% Health & Fitness
20% Performance Talent/HERstory
20% Evening Gown
30% Private Interview
10% On Stage Question
20% Health & Fitness
20% Performance Talent/HERstory
20% 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.
Interested in competing? Contact us and we will point you in the right direction. To compete at state, you can win a local title, apply to become a digital contestant, or sign up at large. All of these avenues are welcome ways to get to the Miss Minnesota stage. (Fees will apply for Greater MN and At Large). |
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