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
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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
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Peter Bye Family Scholarship Fund
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Paul Antonich Scholarship Fund
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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
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Northwoods Educational Opportunities Fund
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Mary H. Rice Scholarship Fund for Native Students
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Modern Woodmen of America Scholarship Fund
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Minnesota Section, Society of Mining Metallurgy and Exploration Scholarship Fund
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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
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Emile H. Mathis II Scholarship Fund
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Duluth Lions Club Scholarship Fund
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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
anderson-niskanen-scholarship-fund
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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Patricia and Anthony DiLuna Scholarship Fund

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The Patricia and Anthony DiLuna Scholarship helps high school seniors and graduates of Hurley High School with postsecondary education. Applicants may be students in vocational or technical schools or pursuing two-year, four-year or graduate degrees at colleges or universities. The scholarship fund encourages non-traditional students to apply. The fund honors the life of Patricia Pickera, who graduated from Hurley High School in 1950 and wanted to encourage the students of the region to continue their education.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduates of Hurley High School and wish to pursue a 2 or 4-year degree. They must demonstrate financial need and have a history of community involvement.

Award Range
$1,500-$3,000 for up to 4 years (Total $6,000-$12,000)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
patricia-and-anthony-diluna-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Paul Antonich Scholarship Fund

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The fund was created in 1997 by Larry and Mary Antonich of Two Harbors in memory of their 17-year-old son, Paul. He died tragically in August 1996 shortly before he was to start his senior year at Duluth Central High School, where he was a member of the cross country and track teams.

Eligibility

The scholarship is for a high school senior boy on the track and/or cross-country team at Denfeld and East High School. The recipient must be a student who encourages others, demonstrates dedication and good citizenship, promotes team unity, and shows respect and dignity toward others.

Award Range
$2,000 for one year
Grant Cycle
School Selection - Spring
Apply Now
paul-antonich-scholarship-fund
December 1, 2025
February 16, 2026

Peter Bye Family Scholarship Fund

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This scholarship was established by Peter and Caroline Bye in 1998 in memory of her father, an Iron Range physician.

Eligibility

The scholarship is for first-year medical students who are or were residents of the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation’s service region, which includes Aitkin, Carlton, Cook, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, and St. Louis Counties in Minnesota, and Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron, and Price Counties in Wisconsin. Applicants must attend the University of Minnesota Medical School-Duluth, declare a family practice specialty, be in good academic standing, and demonstrate financial need.

Award Range
$5,000 per semester up to 4 semesters or Medical School (Total $20,000)
Grant Cycle
Apply Now
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Peter M. Gargano Scholarship Fund

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The Peter M. Gargano Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to the children or grandchildren of employees of Ulland Brothers Inc. for post-secondary education. In memory of former Ulland Brothers Vice President and Director Pete Gargano, the company funds this scholarship, initially established by his wife. Pete came to Ulland Brothers in 1969 and worked on or supervised many projects, particularly on the Iron Range.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for children of employees of Ulland Brothers who have been with the company for a minimum of two years. The child must be unmarried, under the age of 25, not self-supporting, and a full-time student. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Award Range
$1,000 per year up to 2 years ($2,000 total)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
peter-m-gargano-scholarship-fund
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

Phil Shykes Memorial Scholarship Fund

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Phil Shykes, a longtime resident of Duluth, was a respected businessman who established and built Miller Mall Auto Parts Inc. He recognized the importance of higher education and had a strong commitment to providing financial assistance to those in need to pursue a trade or a career.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for seniors at Hermantown High School. Applicants must have a GPA of at least 2.5 and demonstrate financial need. Additionally, applicants should showcase community involvement along with their college and career goals.

Award Range
$2,000 for one year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
phil-shykes-memorial-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Richard B. Pearson Memorial Scholarship Fund

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Richard B. Pearson was the longtime superintendent of the Duluth public schools. The scholarship honors his dedication to education, with a goal of helping Duluth students become educators.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for graduates of Duluth Denfeld or Duluth East High School. Applicants must demonstrate financial need and have a GPA of 2.5 or higher. The field of study must be in Elementary or Secondary Education, and applicants should have participated in extracurricular activities, community involvement, or employment.

Award Range
$1,000 for one year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
richard-b-pearson-memorial-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn Memorial Scholarship Fund

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The Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn Memorial Scholarship helps students who live in or near Ulland Brothers Inc. communities and who seek construction careers. The scholarship is named after Richard “Rick” Roy Washburn, a loyal member of the Ulland Brothers Inc. team until his untimely death in a work related accident in October of 2012.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for graduates from high schools within a 75-mile radius of Albert Lea, Cloquet, or Virginia, Minnesota, including schools such as Cloquet Senior High, Eveleth-Gilbert High School, Virginia High School, Rock Ridge High School, Moose Lake High School, Lincoln Secondary, Wrenshall High School, Barnum Secondary School, Carlton, Cromwell-Wright Secondary School, and Fond du Lac Ojibwe, or GED recipients. Applicants must be enrolled in an institute of higher education and have a GPA of 2.8 or higher. The field of study must be in Diesel Mechanics, Welding, Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Occupational Safety, Construction Management, Surveying, or Equipment Operators. Applicants should also have participated in extracurricular activities, community involvement, or employment.

Award Range
$1,000 per year up to 2 years ($2,000 total)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
richard-rick-roy-washburn-memorial-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund

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The Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund honors the memory of Riley Burnell by awarding a college scholarship to a student from Koochiching County who is interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice. Riley Burnell was born in 1988 in International Falls. Even as a boy, he wanted to be a police officer. He graduated from Rainy River Community College, Bemidji State University and Alexandria Technical College. He worked part-time for the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office and the International Falls Police Department.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for residents of Koochiching County, with eligible high schools including Indus High School, Falls High School, Littlefork-Big Falls High School, Northome Secondary High School, and Adult Learning Center ISD 361. Applicants must demonstrate financial need, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and plan to pursue a field of study related to Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, Conservation Officer, Border Patrol, or other justice-related careers. Additionally, applicants must demonstrate good citizenship and community involvement.

Award Range
$2,500 for one year
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
riley-burnell-criminal-justice-memorial-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Robert B. and Sophia Whiteside Scholarship Fund

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The Robert B. and Sophia Whiteside Scholarship Fund awards scholarships to graduating seniors of Duluth high schools who show academic excellence, high character, leadership and promise to contribute to their communities. Marion Whiteside Meining established the scholarship in memory of her parents, Robert and Sophia Whiteside. Robert Whiteside was a pioneer Duluth lumberman and mining executive active in forming the City of Duluth.

Eligibility

This scholarship is for high school seniors graduating from Duluth schools, including home schools. Applicants must show high academic performance, with each school identifying students who qualify and providing an application code through their counselors. Applicants must be seeking admission to an accredited, degree-granting, four-year college or university and must provide a transcript that includes their fall grades. Additionally, applicants are required to demonstrate good character.

Award Range
$5,000 a year up to 4 years ($20,000 total)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
robert-b-and-sophia-whiteside-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Ronald Joseph Mathis Scholarship Fund

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Scholarships from the fund support future generations of artists attending the University of Wisconsin-Superior. The Ronald Joseph Mathis Scholarship Fund recognizes the life and contributions of Ronald Joseph Mathis, the father of Emile Mathis, who built a prosperous career as an art collector.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduates of any high school in the Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation (DSACF) service area, or have completed a homeschool program or earned a GED. They must be seeking a bachelor’s degree in the Visual Arts Department at the University of Wisconsin-Superior and demonstrate financial need.

Award Range
$2,500 a year, up to 4 years ($10,000 total)
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
ronald-joseph-mathis-scholarship-fund
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

Sally Ann Chos Scholarship Fund

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The Sally Ann Chos Scholarship provides financial assistance to students from Rock Ridge High School who plan a career in primary or secondary education, with a preference for those who want to teach elementary students. Sally Ann Chos dedicated her life to education. She graduated from Eveleth High School, received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Minnesota Duluth and her master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Sally began her teaching career in McKinley. When McKinley closed its school, she taught at Nelle Shean Elementary in Gilbert and Franklin Elementary in Eveleth.

Eligibility

Applicants must be graduates of Rock Ridge High School and reside within the former Eveleth-Gilbert school district boundaries. They must demonstrate financial need, pursue a field of study in Education, and show evidence of community involvement or volunteering.

Award Range
$2,000 up to two years – awards freshman and senior year of college.
Grant Cycle
Universal Application
Apply Now
sally-ann-chos-scholarship-fund
January 1, 2025
April 30, 2025

Scott Scholarship Fund

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The Scott Scholarship Fund recognizes academic achievements of the top two graduates each year at Cook County High School in Grand Marais.

Eligibility

This scholarship has no application process. Instead, it is awarded automatically to the valedictorian and the salutatorian at Cook County High. The trust of Effie M. Scott established the scholarship after her 1995 death, in keeping with her wishes.

Award Range
$1250 for the Valedictorian Award and $750 for the Salutatorian Award
Grant Cycle
School Selection - Spring
Apply Now
scott-scholarship-fund
December 1, 2025
February 16, 2026