helping you make the next step

Our Scholarships

Each year, Boreal Waters awards more than $800,000 in scholarships to support students across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Made possible by the generosity of individuals, families, and organizations, these scholarships help learners of all ages pursue education, unlock opportunity, and give back to their communities.

Whether you're planning for college, technical school, or another form of post-secondary education, we want to help you take the next step. Use the search tool to explore scholarships that match your background, interests, and where you live.
Most of our scholarships are available through our universal application which will open in December 2025 and close February 16, 2026.
Application Process
northern-wisconsin-outdoor-experiential-education-scholarship-fund
Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship Fund
ulland-brothers-scholarship-fund
Ulland Brothers Scholarship Fund
william-e-barto-scholarship-fund
William E. Barto Scholarship Fund
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Walter and Anna Soneson Scholarship Fund
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Steve Rolland Youth Peacemaker Award Fund
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THRIVE Scholarship
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The Tim Russell Kind Spirit Award
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Superior Shores Resort Scholarship Fund
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Small Business Education Fund
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Scott Scholarship Fund
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Sally Ann Chos Scholarship Fund
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Robert B. and Sophia Whiteside Scholarship Fund
ronald-joseph-mathis-scholarship-fund
Ronald Joseph Mathis Scholarship Fund
riley-burnell-criminal-justice-memorial-scholarship-fund
Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund
phil-shykes-memorial-scholarship-fund
Phil Shykes Memorial Scholarship Fund
richard-rick-roy-washburn-memorial-scholarship-fund
Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund
richard-b-pearson-memorial-scholarship-fund
Richard B. Pearson Memorial Scholarship Fund
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Peter M. Gargano Scholarship Fund
julie-enberg-memorial-scholarship-fund
Julie Enberg Memorial Scholarship Fund
peter-bye-family-scholarship-fund
Peter Bye Family Scholarship Fund
paul-antonich-scholarship-fund
Paul Antonich Scholarship Fund
patricia-s-gustafson-56-memorial-scholarship-fund
Patricia S. Gustafson ’56 Memorial Scholarship Fund
patricia-and-anthony-diluna-scholarship-fund
Patricia and Anthony DiLuna Scholarship Fund
northern-wisconsin-teacher-education-scholarship-fund
Northern Wisconsin Teacher Education Scholarship Fund
northwoods-educational-opportunities-fund
Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund
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Mary H. Rice Scholarship Fund for Native Students
modern-woodmen-of-america-scholarship-fund
Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship Fund
minnesota-section-society-of-mining-metallurgy-and-exploration-scholarship-fund
Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund
minnesota-power-positively-powerful-scholarship-fund
Minnesota Power Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund
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Kenz Award Fund
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Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund
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Lake Superior Medical Society Tilderquist Scholarship Fund
kenneth-and-concetta-schoen-scholarship-fund
Kenneth and Concetta Schoen Scholarship Fund
kathryn-a-bullyan-scholarship-fund
Kathryn A. Bullyan Scholarship Fund
jeanne-h-hemmingway-scholarship-fund
Jeanne H. Hemmingway Scholarship Fund
john-a-jean-quinn-sullivan-scholarship-funds
John A. & Jean Quinn Sullivan Scholarship Funds
james-j-hubert-memorial-scholarship-fund
James J. Hubert Memorial Scholarship Fund
james-e-and-clyda-j-montague-scholarship-fund
James E. and Clyda J. Montague Scholarship Fund
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Jackson Club Scholarship Fund
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Iron River Lions Club Marie Larson Scholarship Fund
jack-and-mary-rowe-memorial-scholarship-fund
Jack and Mary Rowe Memorial Scholarship Fund
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Ham Family Scholarship Fund Presented by Essentia Health
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Gus and Henrietta Hill Scholarship Fund
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Hubert A. Nelson Scholarship Fund
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Erie Mining Company Scholarship Fund
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Harold and Laura Jorgenson Memorial Scholarship Fund
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Greg Irons Award Fund
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Four Directions Scholarship Fund for Native Students
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Gernander Scholarship Fund
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G. Scott Ransom Scholarship Fund of the Duluth/Superior Alpine Club
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Fred C. and Mary H. Lewis Scholarship Fund
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Fred C. and Mary H. Lewis Scholarship Fund – MBA
emile-h-mathis-ii-scholarship-fund
Emile H. Mathis II Scholarship Fund
duluth-lions-club-scholarship-fund
Duluth Lions Club Scholarship Fund
duluth-central-sports-association-legacy-scholarship-fund
Duluth Central Sports Association Legacy Scholarship Fund
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Duluth Builders Exchange Legacy Fund
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Duluth Building & Construction Trades Council Scholarship Fund
duluth-central-high-school-alumni-scholarship-fund
Duluth Central High School Alumni Scholarship Fund
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Duluth Builders Exchange Apprenticeship Scholarship
duluth-airmen-scholarship-fund
Duluth Airmen Scholarship Fund
dr-john-schrock-and-mary-berube-healthcare-scholarship-fund
Dr. John Schrock and Mary Berube Healthcare Scholarship Fund
dr-mark-rathke-family-scholarship-fund
Dr. Mark Rathke Family Scholarship Fund
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David Hartley Fund
darrell-and-palchie-asselin-scholarship-fund
Darrell and Palchie Asselin Scholarship Fund
daniel-patrick-riley-memorial-scholarship-fund
Daniel Patrick Riley Memorial Scholarship Fund
cory-jam-memorial-award-fund
Cory Jam Memorial Award Fund
cornell-family-scholarship-fund
Cornell Family Scholarship Fund
bob-and-carole-lent-scholarship-fund
Bob and Carole Lent Scholarship Fund
daniel-h-and-catherine-l-mundt-scholarship-fund-for-late-bloomers
Daniel H. and Catherine L. Mundt Scholarship Fund for Late Bloomers
cohen-gordon-b-great-scholarship-fund
Cohen Gordon B Great Scholarship Fund
clayton-jackson-mcghie-memorial-scholarship-fund
Clayton Jackson McGhie Memorial Scholarship Fund
carol-and-john-lilyquist-registered-nursing-scholarship-fund
Carol and John Lilyquist Registered Nursing Scholarship Fund
chief-john-raaflaub-memorial-firefighter-scholarship-fund
Chief John Raaflaub Memorial Firefighter Scholarship Fund
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Bobo Kochevar Scholarship Fund
barrows-family-scholarship-fund
Barrows Family Scholarship Fund
amelia-and-emanuel-nessell-family-scholarship-fund
Amelia and Emanuel Nessell Family Scholarship Fund
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Anderson Niskanen Scholarship Fund
bernard-b-and-mary-l-brusin-scholarship-fund
Bernard B. and Mary L. Brusin Scholarship Fund
allen-butler-minority-law-enforcement-scholarship-temporary-fund
Allen Butler Minority Law Enforcement Scholarship Temporary Fund
albert-h-roffers-athletic-scholarship-fund
Albert H. Roffers Athletic Scholarship Fund
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Kenneth and Concetta Schoen Scholarship Fund

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The scholarship helps students who have financial need and who are “late bloomers,” meaning a little late starting college or those who turned around their academic prospects while in high school. Students may use the award at any two- or four-year college or university. Kenneth and Concetta Schoen of Duluth established the fund to help students who have not consistently displayed high academic ability in the classroom but who have the potential to successfully complete postsecondary work and would otherwise be financially unable to attend a college or university.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be graduates of Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, or Harbor City International School. They must demonstrate financial need and show how they have overcome challenges.

Award Range
$2,500 – $3,000 up to 4 years ($10,000-$12,000)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
kenneth-and-concetta-schoen-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Kenz Award Fund

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The Kenz Award recognizes the role Patricia McKenzie played and the long-lasting influence she had in the Fund Creator’s lives and the lives of girls in the Two Harbors community. Patricia McKenzie, through her roles as a Two Harbors High School girls’ physical education teacher, girls swimming and aqua maids coach and girl scout leader, shared her love of physical activities of all kinds – hiking, canoeing, camping, swimming, skiing – and simply spending time outdoors. Kenz created – often single handedly – opportunities for girls to participate in physical activities and to pursue wilderness adventures. Opportunities girls were often denied during those decades. Through those experiences, girls learned they could be strong and self-sufficient– both physically and mentally.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must identify as female and be graduating seniors from Two Harbors High School. They should demonstrate an interest in physical activities, sports, and/or the outdoors and wilderness adventures, and exemplify the character of Kenz—showing courage to be themselves, a drive to make things happen, and a commitment to community service.

Award Range
$2,000 for one year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
kenz-award-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Lake Superior Medical Society Tilderquist Scholarship Fund

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The fund was established from proceeds of the sale of a medical library collected by Dr. David Tilderquist, a prominent area physician

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are University of Minnesota-Duluth Medical School students who have completed at least one year of medical school. They must be certified by the Medical School as students in good standing and demonstrate financial need as determined by the UMD Medical School Financial Aid Office.

Award Range
$2,000 for one year
Grant Cycle
Apply Now
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Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund

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The Lawrence E. and Mabel Jackson Rudberg Scholarship Fund helps graduating seniors from Two Harbors Senior High School and from Duluth public and private high schools. Lawrence and Mabel Rudberg, from Duluth and Two Harbors, respectively, spent their lives teaching. Lawrence was a professor of economics, and Mabel was an elementary school teacher. They recognized the importance of higher education and wanted to help others pursue college degrees.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants are graduates of Two Harbors High School (preferred), or Duluth Denfeld, Duluth East, Marshall School, Harbor City International School, or Lakeview Christian Academy. They must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and show strong academic performanc

Award Range
$5,000 up to 4 years (Total $20,000)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
lawrence-e-and-mabel-jackson-rudberg-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Mary H. Rice Scholarship Fund for Native Students

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The Mary H. Rice Scholarship Fund for Native Students supports higher education. Mary H. Rice, known as the “Queen of Bayfield,” devoted her life to enriching the Chequamegon Bay area through her creativity, generosity, and commitment to community. A former Northland College board member, she championed education, youth programs, senior services, and the arts. Her legacy continues through this scholarship, which reflects her deep love for the region and its people.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants must be enrolled members of the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, or Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. They must have graduated from high school or earned a GED and plan to pursue postsecondary education through a certificate, diploma, associate degree, or bachelor's degree program.

Award Range
$2,000 – $3,000 up to 4 years (Total $8,000-$9,000)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
mary-h-rice-scholarship-fund-for-native-students
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025
Aitkin High School Area Learning Center Ashland High School Barnum High School Bemidji High School Bigfork High School Blackduck High School Brainerd High School Bug O Nay Ge Shig School Butternut High School Carlton High School Cass Lake-Bena High School Chequamegon High School Cherry High School Chisholm High School Cloquet High School Cook County High School Cromwell-Wright High School Crosby-Ironton High School Deer River High School Drummond High School Duluth Denfeld High School Duluth East High School Eagle Valley High School East Central High School East Range Academy Esko High School/ Lincoln High School Eveleth-Gilbert High School Falls High School Floodwood High School Fond Du Lac Ojibwe School Grand Rapids High School Greenway High School, Harbor City International School Hermantown High School Hibbing Senior High School Hill City High School Hinckley-Finlayson High School Hurley High School Indus High School Kelliher High School Lake Region Christian School Lakeview Christian Academy Littlefork-Big Falls High School Long Prairie-Grey Secondary School Maranatha AcademyMarshall School McGregor High School Mellen High School Memorial High School (Ely) Mercer High School Mesabi East High School Moose Lake High School Mountain Iron-Buhl High School Nashwauk-Keewatin High School North Woods School Northeast Range High School Northern Lights Community School Northland High School Northome High School Northwestern High School (Maple, WI) Pequot Lakes High School Pillager High School Pillager High School Pine River - Backus High School Proctor Senior High School Red Lake High School Rock Ridge High School ISD #2909 (Formerly Virginia High School) Solon Springs School South Ridge School South Shore High School St. Croix High School (Solon Springs) Superior Senior High School Trek North High School Two Harbors High School Vermilion Country School (Rock Ridge Public Schools) Virginia High School Voyageurs Expeditionary High School Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School Washburn High School William Kelley High Schooll (Silver Bay) Wrenshall High School GED

Minnesota Power Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund

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The Minnesota Power Foundation Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund provides need-based scholarships to deserving students in Minnesota Power’s service area who demonstrate integrity, academic achievement, grit and perseverance. These scholarships minimize financial barriers to higher education while creating an economically thriving and culturally vibrant talent community in northeast and central Minnesota.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduates of a Minnesota high school located in the Minnesota Power service community and reside in one of the following counties: Aitkin, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pine, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, or Wadena. They must be pursuing an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business, Economics, Education (Math & Science), Engineering, Math, Science, or Technology, or an AA/AS degree in fields such as Business or STEM. Applicants must attend one of the following institutions: Central Lakes College, the College of St. Scholastica, Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College, Hibbing Community College, Iron Range Engineering, Itasca Community College, Lake Superior College, Leech Lake Tribal College, Mesabi Range College, Rainy River Community College, the University of Minnesota Duluth, or Vermilion Community College. They must also demonstrate financial need, with an expected family contribution of no more than $25,000, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and show grit and perseverance.

Award Range
$1,500 – $2,500 for up to two years (Total $3,000-$5,000)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
minnesota-power-positively-powerful-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025
Aitkin High School Area Learning Center Barnum High School Bemidji High School Bigfork High School Blackduck High School Brainerd High School Bug O Nay Ge Shig School Carlton High School Cass Lake-Bena High School Cherry High School Chisholm High School Cloquet High School Cook County High School Cromwell-Wright High School Crosby-Ironton High School Deer River High School Duluth Denfeld High School Duluth East High School East Central High School East Range Academy Esko High School / Lincoln High School Eveleth-Gilbert High School Falls High School Floodwood High School Fond Du Lac Ojibwe School Grand Rapids High School Greenway High School Harbor City International School Hermantown High School Hibbing Senior High School Hill City High School Hinckley-Finlayson High School Indus High School Kelliher High School Lake Region Christian School Lakeview Christian Academy Littlefork-Big Falls High School Long Prairie-Grey Secondary School Maranatha Academy Marshall School McGregor High School Mesabi East High School Moose Lake High School Mountain Iron-Buhl High School Nashwauk-Keewatin High School North Woods School Northeast Range High School Northern Lights Community School Northland High School Northome High School Pequot Lakes High School Pillager High School Pine River - Backus High School Proctor Senior High School Red Lake High School Rock Ridge High School South Ridge School Trek North High School Two Harbors High School Vermilion Country School (Rock Ridge Public Schools) Virginia High School Voyageurs Expeditionary High School Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School William Kelley High School (Silver Bay) Wrenshall High School

Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund

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The Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to individuals for the undergraduate study of engineering or geology. The fund supports college students and high school seniors pursuing engineering or geology studies at a Minnesota college or university. It gives priority to those who express an interest in working in the Minnesota mining industry.

Eligibility

Applicants must either be residents of Minnesota at the time of their high school graduation or attend a Minnesota college or university, including two-year colleges with the intent to transfer to a four-year institution. They must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, and be pursuing a field of study in Engineering or Geology.

Award Range
$1,000 per year for 4 years ($4,000 total)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
minnesota-section-society-of-mining-metallurgy-and-exploration-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025
Aitkin High School Area Learning Center Barnum High School Bemidji High School Bigfork High School Blackduck High School Brainerd High School Bug O Nay Ge Shig School Carlton High School Cass Lake-Bena High School Cherry High School Chisholm High School Cloquet High School Cook County High School Cromwell-Wright High School Crosby-Ironton High School Deer River High School Duluth Denfeld High School Duluth East High School East Central High School East Range Academy Esko High School / Lincoln High School Eveleth-Gilbert High School Falls High School Floodwood High School Fond Du Lac Ojibwe School Grand Rapids High School Greenway High School Harbor City International School Hermantown High School Hibbing Senior High School Hill City High School Hinckley-Finlayson High School Indus High School Kelliher High School Lake Region Christian School Lakeview Christian Academy Littlefork-Big Falls High School Long Prairie-Grey Secondary School Maranatha Academy Marshall School McGregor High School Mesabi East High School Moose Lake High School Mountain Iron-Buhl High School Nashwauk-Keewatin High School North Woods School Northeast Range High School Northern Lights Community School Northland High School Northome High School Pequot Lakes High School Pillager High School Pine River - Backus High School Proctor Senior High School Red Lake High School Rock Ridge High School South Ridge School Trek North High School Two Harbors High School Vermilion Country School (Rock Ridge Public Schools) Virginia High School Voyageurs Expeditionary High School Walker-Hackensack-Akeley High School William Kelley High School (Silver Bay) Wrenshall High School

Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship Fund

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The Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship Fund was established by the Duluth Camp No. 2341 of Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal life insurance organization, to help non-traditional students in financial need. Applicants must be in the last half of an undergraduate associate’s or bachelor’s degree at the University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica or Lake Superior College and be a primary caregiver to one or more children.

Eligibility

Applicants must be at least 22 years old and a single head of household, serving as the primary caregiver to one or more children under the age of 18. They must have completed at least 50% of their course instruction at the time of the award and be attending the University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica, or Lake Superior College. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and show involvement in community or extracurricular activities.

Award Range
$1,000 per year up to 1 year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
modern-woodmen-of-america-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Scholarship Fund

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The Northern Wisconsin Outdoor Experiential Education Fund helps residents of Chequamegon Bay communities participate in high-quality outdoors education programs. Applicants should demonstrate financial need and be among groups typically under-represented in outdoors education. Anonymous donors who benefitted from outdoors experiences in their lives created the scholarship to help others benefit from similar experiences.

Eligibility

Applicants must have lived in the Chequamegon Bay communities of Red Cliff, Bayfield, Madeline Island, Washburn, Ashland, or Bad River for at least four years and be at least 16 years old. They must demonstrate financial need and have been accepted to a program that emphasizes non-motorized travel in the backcountry, engages in environmentally sustainable practices, encourages participation from underrepresented groups in outdoor education, and promotes social responsibility. Qualified programs include the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center, Environmental Traveling Companions, National Outdoor Leadership School, No Barriers USA, Northland College, Outward Bound, and Wilderness Inquiry.

Award Range
$1,000 for one year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
northern-wisconsin-outdoor-experiential-education-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Northern Wisconsin Teacher Education Scholarship Fund

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The Northern Wisconsin Teacher Education Scholarship Fund helps students from the communities around Chequamegon Bay pursuing an education degree at Northland College in Ashland. Anonymous donors who embraced education and the northern Wisconsin communities around the Chequamegon Bay created the scholarship to help young people in the region.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduates of Ashland High School, Bayfield High School, or Washburn High School, or residents for at least four years of the communities served by the Apostle Islands Area Community Fund or the Chequamegon Bay Area Community Fund. They must attend Northland College and demonstrate financial need. The field of study must be Education, and applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Award Range
$1,500 per year up to 1 year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
northern-wisconsin-teacher-education-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund

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The Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund provides financial support for high school seniors and graduates of Mercer and Chequamegon (Park Falls) schools, as well as residents of the Town of Sherman.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduates of Mercer or Park Falls, Wisconsin (Chequamegon School District), or residents of the Town of Sherman in Iron County, Wisconsin, regardless of the high school attended. They must be entering a post-secondary educational program at a two-year (or less) vocational/technical college or a four-year college or university (Master’s or doctoral students are not eligible). Applicants must have a GPA of 2.5 or higher, demonstrate financial need, and participate in community service, volunteering, or leadership activities.

Award Range
$5,000 per year up to 4 years (Total $20,000)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
northwoods-educational-opportunities-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Patricia S. Gustafson ’56 Memorial Scholarship Fund

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Patricia Scheiderick Gustafson graduated from Denfeld High School in 1956. She was valedictorian, a cheerleader, first-chair clarinet and a choir member. She attended UMD, graduating with a cum laude degree in English. She raised a family in Duluth and taught part-time.

Eligibility

Applicants must have a GPA of at least 3.4 and must attend the University of Minnesota Duluth, the College of St. Scholastica, or Lake Superior College.

Award Range
$800 Freshman year of college and $800 Senior Year of college
Grant Cycle
School Selection - Spring
Apply Now
patricia-s-gustafson-56-memorial-scholarship-fund
December 1, 2025
February 16, 2026