SENIOR Scholarship Opportunities

Elks Most Valuable Student Competition

The Elks award (500) 4-year scholarships to the highest rated applicants in the competition. Ranging from $4000 to $50,000. You do not need to be related to an Elk member to apply.  Deadline: Nov 12

Driver Education Initiative Award 

Any high school student can apply for (2) $500 scholarships for Round 3 of this contest. Write a 500 word essay about safe driving. Deadline: Nov 30

Hagen Scholarship Foundation 

Over 300 new scholarships up to $40,000 each are awarded each year. These are need-based merit scholarships and are only available to rural students nationwide. See Website for more details Deadline: Dec 1

Science Ambassador Scholarship 

Full tuition Scholarship for a FEMALE going into a STEM field. Film a 3 minute educational video of yourself teaching a STEM topic you are passionate about. Deadline: Dec 1

Ronald Reagan Foundation Scholarships

• This National scholarship program offers numerous awards of $10,000 that are renewable for 4 years. GPA 3.0+; demonstrate at school, at the workplace, and within the community the attributes of leadership, drive, integrity, and citizenship

• John F Kennedy Profile in Courage Essay Contest

  Deadline is Jan 12

  • (17) awards up to $10,000. Write an original essay (700-1000 words) describing and analyzing an act of political courage by a US elected official serving after 1917.

The Alworth Memorial Fund offers more than $2 million dollars each you to LOCAL NE MN STEM Majors! Be one of 90 students who receive $24K towards your education over 4 years and be part of one of the best mentorship programs in Minnesota. Must be going into a STEM major, have a GPA 3.5 or higher, an ACT of 24 or higher and exhibit financial need (parents' gross income less than $175K. 

• Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) Scholarships: Deadline Jan 31

Various awards for for higher education; some are renewable.

Union Plus Scholarships

• Deadline Jan 31
  • Awards from $500- $4000 to dependent children of parents in a participating union.

Renewable scholarships for members of the cooperative (must be Lake Co power customers). $1000 per year, $4,000 total.

Find the application here

MN Telecom Alliance Foundation Scholarship Deadline: Feb 13

MN Telecom Alliance Foundation Scholarship

• (5) $2000 scholarships. Must be a member of a member service company (Paul Bunyan is one!) Must submit to the local Paul Bunyan office for signature by Feb 13

Foundation of Rural Service (FRS) Application Scholarship Deadline: February 14

Foundation of Rural Service (FRS) Application Scholarship 

• (30) $2500 scholarships. Express an interest to return to a rural community following graduation, as discussed in the essay.
  • Guardian should be a member of Paul Bunyan Communications (when you make an NTCA account, choose Paul Bunyan out of Bemidji)

Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation (GRACF.org) Scholarship Application Deadline: March 1

Application contains 140 scholarships totaling $170k from local businesses, organizations and individuals.

• Alpha Kappa Psi Scholarship Fund Deadline is Mar 1
  • Students admitted to the Carlson School at the U of MN can receive scholarships from $5,000-$30,000k
  • Many scholarships hare given to students with financial need; must have academic excellence, leadership experience and involvement beyond the classroom.
  • Students do NOT have to join Alpha Kappa Psi, a co-ed Professional business fraternity to qualify

Blandin Foundation Scholarships - Receive a grant up to $6,000 per year based Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA under 30,000 Must apply every year in school and can apply until age 25 if pursuing a degree. Deadline: Mar 1

Children of Warriors National President's Scholarship Deadline Mar 1

(3) $5,000 scholarships per geographic division. Candidates shall be direct descendants of veterans who served in the US Armed forces April 6, 1917- Nov 11, 1918 and anytime after Dec 7, 1941. Must be a senior & complete 50 hours of volunteer service during high school.

Park State Scholarship Information

• (4) $1,500 scholarships; Seniors with GPA above 3.0. (2) Letters of recommendation are required; DO NOT need to be a Park State Bank customer; employee family members are not eligible

• MN State Horticultural Society Scholarships are offered to students with interest and participation in horticultural/gardening activities. Ranging from $250-$600 Deadline March 15
  • Short essay (at least 200 words) describing your involvement/experiences in horticulture and gardening.
  • Get a copy of the application in the counseling office

• Automotive Aftermarket Scholarships Deadline Mar 31
  • Hundreds of scholarships for students going into a career in the automotive field

New Range Copper Nickel Mining for Excellence Scholarships (Previously the Polymet Mining for Excellence Scholarship) Deadline: Mar 31

Scholarships for STEM, Trade or Tribal students:

• STEM Scholarship: This scholarship is designed for students pursuing a future in STEM fields. Whether you aspire to be a scientist, engineer, programmer, mathematician, or researcher, this scholarship is aimed at helping you achieve your STEM-related dreams. Up to $5,000
• Trades Scholarship: The Trades Scholarship is tailored for students with a strong interest in skilled trades, including areas such as welding, hydraulics, mechanics, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, and more. If you’re passionate about hands-on skills and want to excel in a trade, this scholarship is for you. Up to $5,000
• Tribal Scholarship: For students who are enrolled members of a tribal sharing geography with Minnesota or are first gen descendants. Up to $7,500

The Itasca Lodge #208 is offering 2 scholarships of $1000. 

Application is available here

• IASC NEXT Career Pathway Award Due April 1

• Students completing a pathway in Business, Education, Healthcare or Natural Resources/Agriculture AND will be attending MN North Itasca in the spring, can receive a $1,000 tuition reduction. Apply for the MN North College General Scholarship Application.

• Michigan Tech Iron Range Alumni Scholarship Deadline: April 1

For any graduate of an Iron Range High School who will attend Michigan Tech

• $1000 Scholarship is for area students (ISD #318 is one of only 7 other local eligible schools) who are pursuing an education in Natural Resource areas (i.e. Wildlife/Fisheries, Soil/Water, Timber/Range, Wildland Fire etc.) OR Criminal Justice areas (Enforcement, Courts, Corrections, Parole), Federal or State Conservation Officer, Forest/Park Rangers (USFS, NPS, USFWS, BLM, BIA), Deputy Sheriff, MN BCA, State Patrol or other related careers. Apply at www.nwmf.org/scholarships
• Put STAPLES in as the Access Code

Wabana Township Application Deadline: April 17

Applicant must be a resident of Wabana Township and be pursuing their first or second year of post-secondary education in the fall of 2026. Link above or pick up a copy in the counseling office.

eniors in NE MN and NE WI can apply for the Emberg Scholarship. Must be attending an approved list of vocational, technical or trade schools in NE MN or NE WI. Full list can be found on this document as well as all the other requirements: Emberg Scholarship FAQ

• North Itasca Electric Scholarship: Due April 24
• Students with a parent/guardian who is a North Itasca Electric customer can apply for this $500 scholarship opportunity.

The AMFA - Arrowhead Manufacturers & Fabricators Association is offering $1000 scholarships to students pursuing various manufacturing education opportunities in the Arrowhead Region. Due April 30th