There are endless engagement opportunities for undergrads on (and near) campus. Below are a few engagement opportunities specifically for students from diverse or underrepresented groups.
We define "engagement opportunities" as meaningful experiences outside of the classroom where students learn and develop the skills, insight and knowledge to be successful as leaders, professionals and global citizens.
Mentoring Programs
Maroon & Gold Network
Discover your path, build social capital, explore different majors and industries, get resume advice and hone your interview skills. The Maroon and Gold Network is a vibrant community and growing every day - sign up in less than 2 minutes and instantly connect with University of Minnesota students and alumni for career advice, networking, and mentorship.
LGBTQIA Mentor Program
The LGBTQIA Mentor Program seeks to empower students to enhance their learning experience, build community, attain personal growth and live fuller lives.
Pride Alumni Network
The Pride Alumni Network is an affinity network of the University of Minnesota Alumni Association. This is a collaborative initiative seeking to strengthen the bond between LGBTQIA+ alumni, students, and the University.
ASPIRE Peer Mentoring Program
The ASPIRE Peer Mentorship Program is a community to find belonging on campus, create meaningful relationships with AAPI students, and connect yourself to resources that help you thrive at the U!
Women in Technology (WIT) Mentorship Program
Mentoring is a vital component for ensuring women continue to grow and succeed in the tech industry. Women make up a minority of those in the industry, and it can be difficult to find role models, advisers, guides, and cheerleaders who understand specific challenges of the field. The WIT mentorship program matches mentees and mentors applicants together twice a year, in fall and spring cohorts.
North Star STEM Alliance
This program supports undergraduate students majoring in STEM (CSE, CBS, and CFANS) who come from various backgrounds. The program includes peer mentors who are student leaders within their colleges who work toward increasing academic success and engagement of other students in STEM disciplines.
Undergraduate Research Opportunities
Pathways to Graduate School: Summer Research Program
Pathways is an intensive 10 week summer program in which undergraduate students work full-time with a faculty mentor on a research project. The cohort-based program includes a series of seminars preparing students for graduate school and developing research skills.
North Star STEM Alliance
This program supports undergraduate students majoring in STEM (CSE, CBS, and CFANS) who come from various underrepresented and multicultural backgrounds.
McNair Scholars Program
The McNair Scholars program gives undergraduate students intensive, faculty-driven research experience and prepares them for entry into and success in graduate school. Read more about the program and find out more about the outstanding career outcomes for U of M McNair scholars.
Studying Away and Abroad
Learning Away (in the United States)
Study at an HBCU (Historically Black College or University), AANIPISI (Asian American Native American Pacific Islander Serving Institution), or an HSI (Hispanic Serving Institution) for a semester or year through the National Student Exchange.
- These HBCUs are part of NSE.
- NSE includes several AANIPISI campuses including those in Hawaii and Guam.
- NSE includes these HSI campuses in Puerto Rico.
Learning Abroad
The Learning Abroad Center recognizes and supports a diverse student population on its study and volunteer abroad programs. Consult these specific resources if you identify as an LGBTQIA student, Multicultural student, or a student with disabilities as you consider and prepare for your experience abroad.
Career Exploration & Support
Career Services
Career Services is here to help all students and attends to the unique career needs of students.
Honors & Awards
Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Awards
The Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Awards honor underrepresented undergraduate, graduate, and professional students for their outstanding work in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion while at the University of Minnesota and in the community.
American Indian Environmental Leadership Scholarship
The American Indian Environmental Leadership Scholarship recognizes highly motivated American Indian students with a dedication to protecting natural resources, while serving future generations, their community, and the world.
Sharon L. Doherty Student Leadership Award
The Sharon L. Doherty Student Leadership Award is given to a University of Minnesota student who has demonstrated outstanding volunteer service concerning women's issues on campus or in the broader community.