Mary Tjosvold graduate fellowship in community development

Recently celebrating its 10th anniversary, the Mary T. Scholars program has grown significantly since its inception in 2014. Empowering graduate students with unique, community-based professional internships across social work and education sectors. With over 50 alumni and placements spanning five countries, the program continues to expand its global reach, offering unparalleled opportunities for graduate-level professional development in international settings. One of the few study abroad programs at the University of Minnesota to combine academic learning with real-world impact, the Mary T. Scholars program is deeply committed to reciprocity. It fosters meaningful partnerships with global organizations, welcoming international collaborators to campus and supporting students as they make a difference in communities around the world.

Founded by University of Minnesota alumna and humanitarian Dr. Mary Tjosvold, the program reflects her lifelong dedication to advancing global initiatives and supporting underserved communities both in the U.S. and abroad. As the program continues to evolve, it remains firmly focused on equipping future leaders with the global knowledge and skills needed to drive positive change.