Apply for a scholarship

Supporting your next step—wherever learning takes you

At Boreal Waters, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive. Whether you're heading to college, starting a trade, or returning to school later in life, our scholarships are here to help remove barriers and open doors. Each year, we award more than $800,000 to students across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin—all made possible by the generosity of local donors who believe in your potential.
Sylvia Berka
Recipient of Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship

Who Can Apply?

Available For Students Of All Ages & Backgrounds

You may be eligible if you:

  • Live in northeast Minnesota or northwest Wisconsin
  • Are planning to attend a college, university, community or technical college, or trade school
  • Meet criteria related to your academic interests, school, or community involvement

Many scholarships are open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners. Even if you're not sure where you fit yet, we encourage you to explore—there’s likely a scholarship for you.

Service Area Map
CJ Ham Football Camp
CJ & Stephanie Ham Family Scholarship

the process

One Application, Many Opportunities

When our scholarship portal opens on December 1, 2025, you’ll begin by completing a brief eligibility quiz. Based on your answers, the system will match you with scholarships you qualify for—saving you time and simplifying the process.It’s all part of our Universal Application, which means you’ll fill out one main application and then choose which matched scholarships you want to apply for. Some may ask a few extra questions, but most of the work is already done.

more than a test

No Test Scores Required

We’ve removed unnecessary barriers to make scholarships more accessible. That means no ACT or SAT scores are required. We focus on your goals, experiences, and potential—not just what’s on a test.

Application Timeline

Applications Open
December 1, 2025

Application Deadline
February 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Notification of Awards
Scholarship recipients will be notified by email no later than May 1, 2026

Scholarship Payments Sent to Schools
Fall semester: by July 30, 2026
Spring semester: by December 30, 2026

How to Apply

Submitting Your Application

Student Portal

Access Our Scholarship Portal

The portal opens on December 1, 2025.
Go to Portal

Create Your Profile

If you’re a new user, set up your profile. If you’ve applied before, you can log in with your existing account.

Complete The Eligibility Quiz

This short quiz helps us match you with the scholarships you're eligible for, based on your background and plans.

Fill Out the Universal Application

Submit one general application. Some scholarships may prompt a few additional questions depending on their criteria.

Submit & Check Back

Applications are due by February 16, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. You can track your status and updates in the portal.

How to be Prepared

Items To Gather & Consider

Taking time to gather a few details before you apply can help make the process smoother. Here’s what to have ready:

FAFSA Information

Some scholarships may ask for details from your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you’ve completed it, keep your information on hand.
FAFSA Application

Program Type

Think about the kind of education or training you're planning to pursue. Are you working toward:

  • A 4-year degree?
  • A 2-year degree or community college program?
  • A skilled trade, apprenticeship, or professional license?

School Type

Are you applying to public or private schools? Will you study in-state or out-of-state? Having a sense of your school choices will help guide your application.

Field of Study

Identify your academic or career interests—like healthcare, STEM, the arts, education, the environment, or another area. You don’t need to have it all figured out, but a general direction is helpful.

Your Background & Experiences

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Extracurriculars
Clubs, hobbies, or organizations you’re part of

Work Experience
Part-time jobs, internships, or other work

Community Involvement
Volunteering, leadership, or civic activities

Sports
Participation in school or community athletics

Family Responsibilities
Helping care for siblings, supporting your household, or contributing financially
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Looking for Support?

We’re here to help. If you have questions about our scholarships, the application process, or how to get started, please reach out to Peter Pfankuch, our Community Impact Specialist.
Email Peter

The Latest

Scholarship Recipients