SCHOLARSHIPS
Stop in to the School Counseling Office for available scholarships!! We can point you in the right direction!
Websites to search for scholarships:
www.fastweb.com
www.scholarships.com
**Please remember that these are Nationwide scholarship sites. You are entering a large pool of applicants. It is wise to apply to many scholarships, but best to devote more time to local scholarships as the applicant pool will be much smaller.
**Be cautious of scholarship scams. Never pay to apply for a scholarship, and never pay an entity to search for scholarships for you.
The Aitkin Dollars for Scholars scholarship program is one that all Aitkin Seniors should apply for. The application will be made available to students after the Christmas break. Please note that if the application is filled out correctly and on time, each applicant is guaranteed scholarship money (if conditions to receive the award are met).
AVAILABLE SCHOLARSHIPS
DUE in December 2019:
-Itasca Community College Presidential Scholarship for 2020 high school graduates enrolling at Itasca Fall Semester 2020. Eligibility: Must be a current high school senior on track to graduate prior to the beginning of Fall Semester 2020. Must have an ACT Composite score of 29 or higher. Must have either a minimum 3.80 cumulative high school GPA or be in the top 10% of high school class after the completion of 11th grade (based on unofficial high school transcript; recipients will be required to submit an official transcript for verification). Must enroll in at least 30 on-campus course credits at Itasca Community College during the 2020-2021 academic year (fall and spring semesters). Courses taken from outside institutions and online courses will not be counted toward the total. Application is online at https://www.itascacc.edu/presidential. 1st Priority Deadline: Monday, December 2, 2019, Applicant interviews conducted in December. 2nd Priority Deadline: Monday, March 2020. Applicant interviews conducted in March.
-Wells Fargo Scholarship Program for People with Disabilities Scholarship:
This scholarship is administered by Scholarship America®. https://scholarsapply.org/pwdscholarship/?utm_campaign=Wells%20Fargo%20PWD%202018&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=67044914&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8bvVP-eIFbr5EaOrNTKSueykhYEm37bNMyAUapGaui_-3QkGnwoFfS5HgUlJHa0SW0Kh1kNfKymqDxQD-2_fMT-QmzNw&_hsmi=67044914 please visit the website for full details on this scholarship and their specific qualifications. Deadline: December 6, 2019.
DUE in January 2020:
-National Wild Turkey Federation’s Academic Scholarship Program: Qualifications: Graduating high school senior with a 3.0 on 4.0 scale, must be pursuing a degree at an accredited institution of higher education, have a current hunting license, NWTF membership (local chapter will help obtain membership), be involved in school activities, demonstrate ability as a leader among peers, demonstrate community leadership and/or involvement, submit an essay, and three letters of recommendation. Paper application is available in the Counseling Office. Deadline: January 1, 2020
-HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP - Sponsored by Nurse.org
Based in Bellevue, WA, Nurse.org is seeking applications for the Healthcare Leaders Scholarship. To be eligible for the $1000 award, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, be pursuing a degree related to healthcare, and submit a 600-1000 word essay by January 29th. Scholarship is offered once a year and award is paid directly to the student. See website above for more information. There are many more nursing scholarships available on this website as well.
-Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation Scholarships: Multiple scholarships available, please visit the website for full details on all scholarships and their specific qualifications. Please find the grid online at https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/stuff/contentmgr/files/0/07011611a6d4a7d27b58e4b1ebc30966/files/2019_20scholarshipgrid_aitkin.pdf The application (with Eligibility Quiz to help students determine what they can apply for) starts HERE. It’s ready for students to start working on now! URL is https://www.jlweb.co/prod1/portal/portal.jsp?c=279328&p=2236115&g=2236117 Deadline: January 15, 2020. Submission details available on the website.
-Saturn Systems Scholarship: Attention Computer Geeks! Do you want $4000 to pay for your Computer Science major at UMD? It could be yours if you apply for the Saturn Systems Scholarship from the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation. You need a 3.0 GPA and plan to study Computer Science at the University of Minnesota Duluth to get in on this action. More information on the scholarship can be found here https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/saturn-systems-scholarship-fund?tt=0#.UJfrV8XA-WY. Complete the application at www.dsacommunityfoundation.com by January 15, 2020.
-Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Scholarship: www.alworthscholarship.org/index.htmlQualifications: Must be a high school senior graduating from Aitkin HS, have a composite score of at least 25 on the ACT, be pursuing a 4-year degree (this includes those who begin at a community college), have a high school GPA of 3.5 or higher, commit to a major in one of the designated fields of study (specific list available on the Alworth website), come from a family whose taxable income is less than $120,000. Please visit the website for more specifics on qualifications. Deadline: January 15, 2020. Submission details and application available on the website.
-Minnesota Power Foundation Community Involvement Scholarship Program. http://www.positivelypowerful.org/Scholarships : Eligibility Criteria: Must be a full-time high school senior, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher and reside in Minnesota Power service territory. Submission details and application are on the website. Deadline: January 15, 2020
-PolyMet Mining for Excellence Scholarships: http://polymetmining.com/miningforexcellence/for outstanding high school students who are planning for college or vocational training and interested in STEM.
Deadline: January 31, 2020. Submission details available on the website.
DUE in February 2020:
-Elks Lodge Central Lakes College Joe & Donna Masanz Nursing Scholarship: Qualifications: High School senior who is enrolling at Central Lakes College pursuing a general course of study in the nursing program. Acceptance of any other scholarship assistance more than a $1,000 from any other source will cancel the Elks Award. Deadline: February 28, 2020. Paper applications available in the School Counseling office.
-Elks Lodge Central Lakes College Career and Technical Program Scholarship: Qualifications: High School senior who is enrolling at Central Lakes College pursuing a general course of study in a career and technical program. Acceptance of any other scholarship assistance more than a $1,000 from any other source will cancel the Elks Award. Deadline: February 28, 2020. Paper applications available in the School Counseling office.
-Elks Lodge Central Lakes College Liberal Arts and Science Scholarship: Qualifications: High School senior who is enrolling at Central Lakes College pursuing a liberal arts and sciences degree for transfer to a four-year college. Acceptance of any other scholarship assistance more than a $1,000 from any other source will cancel the Elks Award. Deadline: February 28, 2020. Paper applications available in the School Counseling office.
DUE in March 2020:
-Aitkin County Assn. of Townships-Irene Bright Memorial Scholarship: Qualifications: Must be a graduating senior from one of the following AHS, Hill City, McGregor, Minisinaakwang Leadership Academy or home study programs. Each applicant must complete the application form and a written essay. Paper applications and submission details are available in the school Counseling office. Deadline: March 1, 2020
American Legion Auxiliary, Children of Warriors National Presidents’ Scholarship: Candidates for this award shall be daughters, sons, grandsons, granddaughters, great-granddaughters, great-grandsons of veterans who served in the Armed Forces during eligibility dates for membership in The American Legion. Students must be in your senior year of high school. Application information can be found at: https://www.alaforveterans.org/Scholarships/Children-of-Warriors-National-Presidents--Scholarship/ or pick up an application in the Counseling office. Deadline: March 1, 2020.
-Community Foundation Scholarships https://www.communitygiving.org/scholarships
The Bernick Family Scholarship was created to recognize the values of the Bernick family and their corporation, Bernick's. The purpose of the fund is to recognize, assist and encourage high school seniors who are well-rounded individuals in their pursuit of advanced education. Eligibility Requirements: High School Senior. must live in Bernick Service Area (View service area list and map), GPA: 3.0 or better, and planning to attend: Two or four year college (full-time enrollment).
The Garrison Area Scholarship (formerly Garrison Dollars for Scholars) was originally sponsored by the Garrison Lions/Garrison Mille Lacs Lakes Lions Clubs. The Garrison Area Scholarship Fund will offer three $1,000 scholarships to graduating high school seniors who meet eligibility requirements. Eligibility Requirements: High School Senior, from: Aitkin, Brainerd, Crosby-Ironton or Onamia. residents of Garrison or live within a 10-mile radius of Garrison or the applicant’s parents own a business in Garrison, and planning to attend: Two or four year college (full-time enrollment)
Scholarship Application Deadline: March 1
Scholarship Application Process: Online applications only.
*The following agricultural scholarship opportunities are specifically for Animal Science project members (4-H or FAA High School seniors - and post-high school college students), see each application for specific requirements and contact details:
· MLBA Scholarship – Due March 1
· McKerrow Scholarship – Due March 1
· Lyle Lamphere Scholarship—Due March 1
· 4-H Purple Ribbon Auction Scholarship application is updated and due August 1.
-Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Endowed Scholarship: Must be an American Indian graduate from a Minnesota high school and have been accepted to the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. Must demonstrate financial need. Must be registered full time and maintain a 2.5 GPA. Apply online at https://diversity.umn.edu/SMSC
Deadline: March 1, 2020
-Tip Top Tux Scholarship: www.tttuxprom.com/scholarships Qualifications: High school senior, have applied to a college or university for admission in the fall of 2020. Deadline: March 1, 2020. Submission details available on the website.
MSCA Scholarship - The Minnesota School Counselor Association sponsors students scholarships each year. 1 recipient will be selected from each of the 10 division areas around the state. Applicants must be a Minnesota public or private high school senior who are able to articulate how a Licensed School Counselor impacted their life. The Licensed School Counselor written about must be a member of MSCA – Aitkin High School Counselors are MSCA members. Applications must be signed by a Licensed School Counselor in your building but it does not have to be the counselor you are writing about. Aitkin is in the Central Division. Application on line at http://www.minnesota.schoolcounselorawards.org/scoy/other-awards. Upload your cover page and essay as one document under your division on the scholarship portal no later than March 1st.
DUE in April 2020:
Aitkin County 4-H Council Scholarship. The Aitkin 4-H Council offers $500 scholarships to 4-H members graduating from high school who will be attending a post-secondary institution in the year following graduation. Applications are online at https://www3.extension.umn.edu/sites/default/files/download/aitkin-county-scholarship-requirements-and-form.pdf or in the counseling office. Deadline is April 15th.
DUE in June 2020:
Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship - Open to senior whose parents are members of a labor union. Applicants must be a Racial/ethnic group member (defined on the application) and accepted into MNSCU (Mn State Colleges and Universities) institution; minimum 2.0 GPA, enrolling in college full time. Note: MnSCU includes many 2 and 4 year college in MN! Apply online at http://nelliestone.org/scholarship-program. Deadline is June 1st
-HEALTHCARE LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIP - Sponsored by Nurse.org
Based in Bellevue, WA, Nurse.org is seeking applications for the Healthcare Leaders Scholarship https://nurse.org/healthcare-leaders/. To be eligible for the $1000 award, students must have a GPA of 3.0 or above, be pursuing a degree related to healthcare, and submit a 600-1000 word essay by June 15th. Scholarship is offered once a year and award is paid directly to the student. See website above for more information. There are many more nursing scholarships available on this website as well.
🔶🔶Scholarships for JUNIORS ONLY:
- MN High School Page Program: Educational Opportunity, The MN House of Representatives High School Page Program is open to HIGH SCHOOL JUNIORS. It offers a unique opportunity for students to examine what they learn in the classroom under real life circumstances. This experience will help students further their understanding of our state government and the legislative process. Application and 500-word essay required. Apply online at: http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/edprog/app.pdf.
Deadline: November 28, 2019
Loan opportunity for Aitkin High Graduates:
*The Hans and Thora Petraborg Educational Trust Fund: This educational trust fund was created to memorialize long-time local residents, Hans and Thora Petraborg in their strong belief in higher education and the future of Aitkin. The main requirement, aside from being an Aitkin High School graduate, is that the interest free loans go to deserving students who might not otherwise be able to pursue higher education without such assistance. To apply:fill out the Hans and Thora Petraborg Educational Trust Fund Loan Application and State of Borrower Responsibility form-Petraborg Scholarship Application. Return to the Counseling Office or mail to: Aitkin Public Schools, District Office, 306 2nd Street NW, Aitkin, MN 56431 no later than the Deadlines: May 31st for July 31 distribution and December 1 for December distribution. For any questions or inquiries, please contact Mary Aulie, Administrative Assistant to the Superintendent at 218-927-7106.