Recipients of the Schulze Innovation Scholarship pose together for a group photo on August 28, 2018 outside of the Anderson Student Center.

Become a Schulze Scholar

Schulze Innovation Scholarship Program

Join the Best and the Brightest

The Schulze Innovation Scholarship Program at the University of St. Thomas is a four-year full-tuition scholarship and premier academic program. This one-of-a-kind experience nurtures students into innovative, entrepreneurial leaders, and helps to launch their careers.

Schulze Scholars receive a rich educational experience that includes individual mentoring, hands-on learning, and unique opportunities for networking and internships. Students graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to make the most of their talents, ambitions and entrepreneurial opportunities. If you choose to launch a startup after graduation, you’ll have the chance to work with business advisors and mentors, and the opportunity to gain access to seed capital.

This scholarship program is highly competitive, admitting up to 10 first-year students per year. Learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Application Deadline
Jan. 8, 2027

Schulze Innovation Scholarship Event/Selection Day
Feb. 27, 2027

Selection Notification
March 2027

Featured Schulze Scholars

Image of student Maria Bell

Maria Bell ‘22

Igniting change as an intrapreneur

Maria plans to apply her entrepreneurial problem-solving skills as an actuary in the corporate environment.

Maria Bell
Image of student Ben Frey

Ben Frey ‘22

Combining science and business

Ben is turning his passions into a career – bridging his Computer Science and Physics studies with entrepreneurship.

Ben Frey
Image of student Chihiro Gustafson

Chihiro Gustafson ‘23

Harnessing Tommie networks

Chihiro successfully launched his own bike business with the support and guidance of the entrepreneurship community.

Chihiro Gustafson
Image of Amy Helgeson

Amy Helgeson ‘22

Heart of a social entrepreneur

Determined to make a difference, Amy focuses her entrepreneurial pursuits on improving the quality of life for others.

Amy Helgeson
Image of Katie McDonald

Katie McDonald ‘24

Advocate for inclusivity in fashion

Katie is striving to make fashion more equitable with her social business ventures.

Katie McDonald
Image of student Xander Smaby

Xander Smaby ‘22

Education opening doors

St. Thomas helped Xander land his dream job at global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company.

Xander Smaby
Amy Helgeson headshot. Dylan Dierkling headshot.

Environmental Entrepreneur On The Rise

Schulze Innovation Scholar recipient Amy Helgeson developed an eco-friendly alternative to plastic bags.

Environmental Entrepreneur On The Rise

A Self-Taught Eco-Friendly Designer

Schulze Innovation Scholar recipient Dylan Dierking designed a clothing line out of his dorm room.
A Dorm Room Eco-Designer

“The Schulze Innovation Scholarship gives you a lot of confidence. You see that other people realize your vision and believe in you, too.”

Cole Hennen

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