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Minnesota Norway Education (MINNE*)
Israel & Holocaust Fellowship

MINNE — “memory” in Norwegian — supports college students beyond the Jewish faith as they gain in-depth knowledge of the Holocaust and of Israel. Fellows travel to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. with the Jewish Community Relations Council of Minnesota and the Dakotas (JCRC), and then have the opportunity to travel to Israel.

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Campus partners: Click here for flyer information — download and print to share with your students.

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Scholarship details at a glance

WhoCollege sophomores, juniors & seniors beyond the Jewish faith
Minimum GPA3.0
D.C. TripTuesday, April 13, 2027
Application DeadlineWednesday, January 20, 2027 — 9:00 pm
Award NotificationWednesday, February 3, 2027

Space is limited. Previous participants are not eligible.

Participating Campuses

Open to registered, full-time students at:

  • Augsburg University
  • St. Olaf College
  • University of Minnesota
  • Minnesota State University, Mankato
  • St. Thomas University
  • Concordia College
  • Luther College

Student Requirements

To be considered, applicants must:

  • Be a sophomore, junior, or senior
  • Be enrolled full-time at a participating campus
  • Have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • Not have previously participated in MINNE

The Fellowship Experience

The MINNE Fellowship unfolds in two parts — Holocaust education, followed by the opportunity for Israel education.

01

Holocaust Education

  • Tuesday, April 13, 2027 — Trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C. with the JCRC
  • Following the trip, fellows participate in or host a community program, with guidance from the Israel Center and the JCRC
02

Israel Education

  • Fellows who complete the Holocaust education portion are referred to a free 10-day program in Israel covering its history, culture, and society
  • If accepted, MINNE covers national airfare; the program covers the remaining trip costs

Learn more about the Jewish National Fund Caravan for Democracy.

Important Dates

Jan 20, 2027

Application deadline — 9:00 pm

Feb 3, 2027

Selected students notified of award

Apr 13, 2027

Trip to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington D.C.

Ready to apply?

Applications for the MINNE Fellowship are open now. Space is limited — submit yours by Wednesday, January 20, 2027 at 9:00 pm.

Register Now

Questions? Contact Susie Greenberg

About the MINNE

The MINNE Fellowships program was created through the generosity of Peder Alfred Friiso (1919–2014) of Norway. He was a kind man of strong Christian convictions who was deeply affected by the crimes perpetrated by the Nazis and their collaborators, including Norwegians. He also had a love for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. Upon his death, he made a bequest to fund a program that would help Israel and also educate about the Holocaust. He asked his nephew Geir Friiso of Minneapolis to find a way to make his desire become reality. The MINNE Fellowships program was established to honor his wish.

By creating the MINNE Fellowship, Geir believes that his uncle would appreciate that it will foster greater understanding between peoples and provide an education that will touch many lives.