With a commitment toward advancing equity and justice, the Humphrey School of Public Affairs is proud to launch the George Floyd Human Rights Scholarship. This fund, made possible with support from the Carlson Family Foundation, will provide internship opportunities to Humphrey School students.
“Our students care deeply about justice, but too often financial barriers turn pursuing an internship into a privilege,” Dean Laura Bloomberg said. “This scholarship fund will play a key role in breaking down barriers of access to internships at organizations that are working to address disparities, but don’t have the resources to provide a stipend. My sincere hope is that by removing that financial barrier and connecting the expertise of our students with nonprofits throughout the state, the Humphrey School community will take a big step in creating the change we want to see in the world.”
The scholarship fund will provide financial assistance to five Humphrey School students each year. This will allow them to make a direct impact in their local community through exceptional internships with organizations that design and implement solutions to deeply entrenched human rights issues.
As part of being selected, scholarship recipients will share their experiences after their internship, helping to inspire and engage others in the work needed to advance equity.
“For 80 years, it has been our heartfelt desire and commitment to give back in ways that build a better tomorrow and create opportunities for every young person to realize their dreams,” Chair of Carlson and Foundation Trustee Rick Gage said. “The George Floyd Human Rights Scholarship will support Humphrey School students with education and internship opportunities that prepare them to make a positive impact in the world.”
The scholarship fund is named in honor of George Floyd, who was killed by a Minneapolis police officer a year ago, on May 25, 2020. His murder sparked a movement nationwide around the need to address injustices in our criminal justice system that disproportionately impact communities of color.
The movement has also brought important conversations to the fore around disparities in housing, education, and employment, underscoring the need for more representation and changes in public policy.
The first scholarships will be awarded this summer.
