SCHOLARSHIPS IN MINNESOTA

With the "Land of 10,000 Lakes" offering nearly as many academic opportunities for students seeking higher education as large bodies of water, there are numerous scholarships in Minnesota designed to provide financial support for achieving a college degree without accumulating mountains of debt. Whether you are born and raised or are considering moving to Minnesota to attend one of the 43 public and 35 private top-notch universities within its borders, the following are 25 of the most generous scholarships offered exclusively to students in the "Gopher State."

1. American Cancer Society Midwest Youth Scholarship Program

Deadline: March 29th

With the goal of providing young cancer patients and survivors assistance in pursuing higher education, the Midwest Division of the American Cancer Society (ACS) offers a limited number of scholarships to Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin residents who have been accepted to attend an accredited two or four-year institution. Qualified candidates must have been diagnosed with cancer before the age of 21, be currently under the age of 25, and provide a physician verification statement.

Contact

American Cancer Society Midwest Youth Scholarship Program
8317 Elderberry Road
Madison, WI 53717
(877) 423-9123 ext. 7581

2. American Legion Department of Minnesota Memorial Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Created in memory of past Department Commander Lyle C. Mikelson, the American Legion Department of Minnesota Memorial Scholarship is designed to provide financial assistance to children, grandchildren, adopted children, or stepchildren of American Legion members who are furthering their education at any accredited higher education institution in Minnesota. Eligible applicants must be approved by an American Legion Post official, demonstrate financial need, exhibit loyalty to his or her country, and include a personal letter.

Contact

American Legion Department of Minnesota Memorial Scholarship
20 West 12th Street Suite 300A
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 291-1800

3. Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Scholarships

Deadline: November 1st

Each year, the Associated General Contractors of Minnesota offer up to ten scholarships for $1,000 each to outstanding students with career interests in the construction industry who are currently enrolled in post-secondary construction management or construction-related engineering programs accredited by the ABET or ACCE in Minnesota. Sophomore, junior, and senior-level students must be enrolled in an undergraduate program full-time, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and submit two evaluation forms.

Contact

Associated General Contractors of Minnesota Scholarships
525 Park Street Suite 110
St. Paul, MN 55103
(651) 796-2187

4. Bush Fellowship Program

Deadline: October 14th

Funded by 3M executive Archibald Bush and his wide Edyth, the Bush Fellowship Program provides graduate students who live in Minnesota, North Dakota, or South Dakota with the opportunity to demonstrate and improve their capacity for leadership as they learn by doing in a 12 to 24-month fellowship with funding ranging from $50,000 to $100,000 apiece. Applicants must be U.S. citizens, be at least 24 years old, and be enrolled in an approved research-based doctoral program with potential for cross-sector leadership.

Contact

Bush Fellowship Program
101 Fifth Street E Suite 2400
St. Paul, MN 55101
(651) 227-0891

5. Coss Family Foundation Traditional Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

For graduating high school seniors graduating from an accredited school in Dakota or Ramsey counties of Minnesota, the Coss Family Foundation Traditional Scholarship is available for up to $3,500 annually for those who plan to enroll at least half-time with six or more credits in an undergraduate course of study at a degree-granting two or four-year institution. Qualified candidates with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher must submit a current transcript, personal statement, and two letters of recommendation.

Contact

Coss Family Foundation Traditional Scholarship
One Scholarship Way
Saint Peter, MN 56082
(507) 931-1682

6. Dale and Betty George Sola Scholarships

Deadline: January 15th

Administered by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation, the Dale and Betty George Sola Scholarships are granted for $1,500 each to provide financial assistance for graduating high school seniors living in or attending school in the central areas of Duluth who have been accepted for full-time enrollment in any accredited Minnesota institution. Selection will be based on demonstrated leadership, hard-working behavior, financial need, good work ethic, academic performance with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, and involvement in extra-curricular activities.

Contact

Dale and Betty George Sola Scholarships
324 West Superior Street Suite 212
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-0257

7. Ethel M. Curry American Indian Scholarship

Deadline: June 1st

Annually, the Ethel M. Curry American Indian Scholarship is awarded as a full-tuition waiver to students who are admitted to the University of Minnesota at Morris as an incoming first-year freshman and can provide proof of American Indian heritage. Preference for the scholarship will be given to full-time students who are at least one-fourth American Indian blood, are enrolled in a federally-recognized tribe, are Minnesota residents, have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0, and demonstrate involvement in American Indian culture.

Contact

Ethel M. Curry American Indian Scholarship
600 East Fourth Street
Morris, MN 56267
(320) 589-6046

https://www.morris.umn.edu/financialaid/scholarshipswaivers/americanindian/

8. Evelyn Lenander Education Fund

Deadline: May 15th

Sponsored by the Central Minnesota Community Foundation in honor of an outstanding teacher at Buffalo Lake schools for 29 years, the Evelyn Lenander Education Fund is designed for students who have completed two years of an accredited elementary education program at a Minnesota institution. In order to be eligible for the $3,000 award, candidates must be permanent residents of central Minnesota, have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 or higher, submit an official transcript, and compose an essay on career goals.

Contact

Evelyn Lenander Education Fund
101 7th Avenue S Suite 100
Saint Cloud, MN 56301
(320) 253-4380

9. Fastline Publications FFA Four-Year Scholarship

Deadline: February 1st

Awarded by the Minnesota Future Farmers of America (FFA) Association, the Fastline Publications Four-Year Scholarship is offered annually for $1,000 to Minnesota high school seniors or undergraduate students who are FFA members. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a two or four-year degree program related to agricultural business management, farm and ranch management, livestock management, and agricultural sales or marketing. Preference will be given to those who live on a farm or demonstrate interest in managing a family farm.

Contact

Fastline Publications FFA Four-Year Scholarship
P.O. Box 118
Rosemount, MN 55068
(651) 582-8395

10. Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarships

Deadline: Contact Sponsor

With the goal of fostering the development of students in the planning field, the Minnesota Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA) provides the Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarships annually for $2,500 to undergraduate students who are pursuing post-secondary education in planning or planning-related fields at any university in Minnesota. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation, recent college transcript, current resume, cover letter on professional goals, and proof of enrollment.

Contact

Gunnar Isberg Student Scholarships
9288 Beverly Drive
Breezy Point, MN 56472
(612) 252-7131

11. Horatio Alger Minnesota Scholarships

Initial Deadline: October 25th
Each year, the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans awards up to ten Horatio Alger Minnesota Scholarships for $6,000 each to students in Minnesota who have exhibited integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity in the pursuit of higher education. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time as a high school senior in Minnesota, demonstrate a strong commitment to pursuing a bachelor's degree at an accredited U.S. institution, maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, and be involved in community service.

Contact

Horatio Alger Association
99 Canal Center Plaza, Suite 320
Alexandria, VA 22314
Email:
Toll-free Number: 844-422-4200
Scholarship Link

12. James J. Wychor Scholarships

Deadline: Contact Sponsoring Organization

Established by the Minnesota Broadcasters Association (MBA), the James J. Wychor Scholarships program provides financial assistance to Minnesota residents who are accepted or enrolled at an accredited post-secondary U.S. institution offering a broadcast-related curriculum and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better. For consideration for the $1,500 award, qualified candidates must submit a 200-word essay on professional career goals in broadcasting or electronic media and one reference letter evaluating their industry potential.

Contact

James J. Wychor Scholarships
3033 Excelsior Blvd. Suite 440
Minneapolis, MN 55416
(612) 926-8123

13. Lakselaget Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: March 1st

Annually, the Lakselaget Foundation offers $1,000 scholarships for female American or Norwegian citizens who are currently enrolled in undergraduate or graduate studies at an accredited Minnesota institution in the fields of science, technology, engineering, or mathematics (STEM). Qualified candidates are required to have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, be enrolled on a full-time basis, compose a 1,000 personal essay, and submit two letters of recommendation substantiating a long-term interest in Norway.

Contact

Lakselaget Foundation Scholarships
5600 Camera Way Suite 410
Saint Louis Park, MN 55416
(651) 246-6048

14. Lily Lorenzen Scholarship

Deadline: May 1st

Established as a memorial to the late Swedish instructor at the University of Minnesota and a builder of the Swedish heritage in America, the Lily Lorenzen Scholarship is granted annually for $1,000 by the American Swedish Institute (ASI) to Minnesota residents who plan to carry out scholarly or creative studies in Sweden. Eligible applicants must have a working knowledge of the Swedish language, demonstrate a drive to make a contribution to the American-Swedish cultural exchange, and maintain strong academic performance.

Contact

Lily Lorenzen Scholarship
2600 Park Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55407
(612) 871-4907

15. Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship

Deadline: April 1st

Sponsored by the Minnesota Office of Higher Education, the Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship covers the full cost of in-state tuition for students who have demonstrated outstanding ability and achievement in the subject areas of English, fine arts, foreign language, mathematics, science, or social science. Eligible high school graduates must be admitted to enroll full-time in a bachelor's degree program at a public or private non-sectarian institution within Minnesota for consideration.

Contact

Minnesota Academic Excellence Scholarship
1450 Energy Park Drive Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 642-0567

16. Minnesota Association of Public Accountant Scholarships

Deadline: April 15th

As a professional organization of accountants in public practice, the Minnesota Association of Public Accountants (MAPA) awards annual scholarships for up to $2,000 to undergraduate students entering their junior year at an accredited four-year institution in Minnesota with a major in accounting. Successful candidates will have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better and demonstrate a clear intention to practice as a CPA in the field of public accounting.

Contact

Minnesota Association of Public Accountant Scholarships
1000 Westgate Drive Suite 252
St. Paul, MN 55114
(651) 290-6289

17. Minnesota Child Care Grant Program

Deadline: April 1st

Designed to help low-income students who have young children 12 years of age or under pay for child care while attending college courses, the Minnesota Child Care Grant Program provides full-time undergraduate students with up to $2,800 for each eligible child per academic year. Eligible applicants must be Minnesota residents, be enrolled for at least six credits per term at any public or private non-profit institution in the state, and not be receiving assistance from the Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP).

Contact

Minnesota Child Care Grant Program
1450 Energy Park Drive Suite 350
St. Paul, MN 55108
(651) 642-0567

18. Minnesota Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Care

Deadline: July 1st or January 1st

Established by the Chafee Foster Care Independence Act, the Minnesota Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Care program provides up to $5,000 to help former foster care youth under the age of 21 who demonstrate financial need for post-secondary education. Eligible applicants must be accepted into any accredited Minnesota institution full-time, have been in foster care or under state guardianship on their 18th birthday, and be in good academic standing.

Contact

Minnesota Education Vouchers for Former Youth in Care
444 Lafayette Road N 3rd Floor
St. Paul, MN 55155
(651) 431-4663

https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?PageID=1385

19. Minnesota Health Information Management Association Scholarships

Deadline: February 28th

With the mission of promoting high-quality health information professionals to improve the delivery of public health services, the Minnesota Health Information Management Association (MNHIMA) grants $1,500 annual scholarships to Minnesota residents who are enrolled in any U.S. accredited institution with an undergraduate major in health information technology (HIT) or health information management (HIM). Eligible candidates must be student members of the AHIMA, have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher, and submit one letter of recommendation.

Contact

Minnesota Health Information Management Association Scholarships
P.O. Box 26
Cromwell, MN 55726
(218) 340-1968

20. Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund

Deadline: January 15th

In honor of an outstanding police officer who was killed on duty by a distracted driver, the Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund was created by the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation for residents of Koochiching County who wish to enter a career in law enforcement as a corrections officer, probation officer, border patrol officer, or police officer. Eligible candidates for the $2,500 renewable award must have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher and be enrolled in an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Contact

Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund
324 West Superior Street Suite 212
Duluth, MN 55802
(218) 726-0257

21. Robert J. Yourzak Scholarship Award

Deadline: June 1st

Sponsored by the Minnesota Chapter of the Project Management Institute (PMI) Educational Foundation, the Robert J. Yourzak Scholarship Award is awarded annually for $2,000 to outstanding students who are accepted to enroll or are currently enrolled in a degree-granting program of higher education pertaining to the field of project management. Qualified candidates must be enrolled full-time in an accredited academic institution, be Minnesota residents, have a cumulative GPA of 2.8 or higher, and demonstrate financial need.

Contact

Robert J. Yourzak Scholarship Award
1821 University Avenue Suite S256
St. Paul, MN 55104
(651) 917-6246

22. SFM Foundation Scholarships

Deadline: March 31st

Annually, the SFM Foundation administers up to 60 scholarships for $5,000 to qualifying students enrolled in a two or four-year accredited institution whose parents were severely injured, disabled, or killed in the course of working for Minnesota or Wisconsin employers. Eligible candidates must be between the ages of 16 and 25, have a high school diploma or GED equivalent, demonstrate financial need, maintain satisfactory grades with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be involved in extra-curricular activities or community service.

Contact

SFM Foundation Scholarships
P.O. Box 582992
Minneapolis, MN 55458
(855) 621-2076

https://www.sfm-foundation.org/application_information.cfm

23. Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program

Deadline: February 10th

In order to encourage residents of the Upper Midwest to undertake practical experiences and internships in human rights organizations, the Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program provides up to $4,500 to residents of Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin who demonstrate a commitment to the promotion of international human rights. Applicants must provide a transcript, current resume, and a two to three-page essay detailing the fellowship placement, host organization, and professional training goals.

Contact

Upper Midwest Human Rights Fellowship Program
231 Pillsbury Drive East
Minneapolis, MN 55455
(612) 625-2008

24. Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation Scholarship

Deadline: March 15th

Annually, the Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation for Peace and Justice awards one $5,000 scholarship and four $4,000 scholarships to undergraduate or graduate students in Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, North Dakota, or Wisconsin who display a commitment to striving for peace and justice both in their educational pursuits and in their personal or professional lives. Qualified candidates must demonstrate how they will use the award money for academic studies, an internship, or a special peace and justice project.

Contact

Vincent L. Hawkinson Foundation Scholarship
324 Harvard Street SE
Minneapolis, MN 55414
(612) 331-8125

25. White Earth Scholarship Program

Deadline: May 31st

The White Earth Scholarship Program provides annual scholarships for up to $4,500 for Minnesota students who are enrolled members of the White Earth Band of Chippewa and are currently attending any accredited post-secondary U.S. institution. Eligible undergraduate and graduate students must be seeking a two or four-year degree, maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher, be in good academic standing without student loan default, and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.

Contact

White Earth Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 418
White Earth, MN 56591
(218) 983-3285 ext. 5304