Welcome to the NKHS local scholarship page!
While this is not a comprehensive list of all scholarships, this is the best place to find local and regional scholarships. Please see the Post-Secondary Planning page for additional scholarship search resources.
PLEASE NOTE:
This page is continuously updated throughout the school year. If you find a link to last year's application/information, please be patient. It will be updated with current year information as soon as the scholarship providers update us.
October Deadlines
VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship: Students in grades 9-12 will record an original 3-5 minute audio essay on a flash drive, or other electronic device. They will submit the recording, typed essay and the entry form (see the counselor for the form). Submit these items to the Nashwauk-Keewatin school counselor or VFW Post for judging.
Deadline: September 1 and closes October 31st, 2024
November Deadlines
Blaze Scholarship: In partnership with the Minnesota Credit Union Foundation Scholarship Council (FSC), Blaze Credit Union is pleased to offer a scholarship program exclusively to credit union members to help further their pursuit of education. For the 2024-25 school year, $18,000 in scholarships will be awarded to college students in traditional (high school seniors entering college) and non-traditional categories. Each recipient will be awarded $1,000. Any Blaze Credit Union member pursuing education in the fall of 2025 and spring of 2026 is eligible to apply. Applications are being accepted through November 30, 2024.
2024 Essay Question: What is the greatest gift you have ever received (object or life experience)? How did it impact you when you received it and does it still hold meaning now? Would life be different if the "gift" was never received? Follow the link to complete the scholarship application and essay.
Deadline: November 30th, 2024
How to apply: https://submissions-mncun.org/
December Deadlines
Hagan Scholarship: Scholarship for students from rural areas (NK is a qualifying school) who plan to attend a 4 year college or university. Up to $7500 per semester! Must have a 3.5 or better GPA, work at least 240 hours during your senior year before you start college (summer job OK too) and have financial need (household adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less).
Deadline: Portal opens September 1 and closes December 1, 2024
How to apply: https://haganscholarships.org/
January Deadlines
New Range Copper Nickel (formerly Polymet): $5000 scholarships for students going into STEM or trades. There's an additional opportunity for Native American students going into STEM or trades.
Deadline: January 15th
How to apply: https://miningforexcellence.com/
United Way Youth Contest: Open to seniors from NE Minnesota high schools. Submit a short essay OR a short video regarding needs in our community. Up to $10,000 for 2 or 4 year colleges or trades.
Deadline: Opens November 1st, closes January 6th.
How to apply: https://give.unitedwaynemn.org/event/youth-united-contest/e527856
Union Plus Scholarship: $500-$4000 scholarships for students from union families.
Deadline: January 31st, 2024
How to apply: https://www.unionplus.org/benefits/education/union-plus-scholarships
Lake Country Power: The Les Beach Memorial Scholarship is a renewable scholarship (up to $4000 over 4 years) for graduating seniors with a 2.5 GPA or better whose parent/guardian are Lake Country Power customers. Can be used for 2 or 4 year colleges or vocational programs.
Deadline: Portal window is January 1-January 31, 2024
How to apply: https://lakecountrypower.coop/high-school-scholarships
Alworth Scholarship: For students with a 3.5 or better GPA and a 24 or better ACT who are pursuing a 4 year degree in a STEM field (starting at a community college OK). For families under $175,000 AGI (adjusted gross income). $24,000 scholarship!
Deadline: Application opens November 1st 2023 and closes on January 15th, 2024
How to apply: https://www.alworthscholarship.org/index.html
Mediacom World Class Scholarship: $1000 scholarships for students who live in an area served by mediacom.
Deadline: January 31st, 2024
How to apply: https://mediacomworldclass.com/
February Deadlines
Duluth-Superior Area Community Foundation Scholarship: Apply for a variety of scholarships available to students in NE Minnesota in one place!
Deadline: Applications open on Dec. 1st, 2023 and close on February 15th, 2024
How to apply: https://www.dsacommunityfoundation.org/apply-for-scholarship/
Paul Bunyan/Minnesota Telecom Alliance scholarship: $2000 scholarship for students whose parents/guardians are Paul Bunyan customers.
Deadline: Must return application to Paul Bunyan Communications by February 16th, 2024. Drop off or mail to Grand Rapids office.
How to apply: https://www.mnta.org/page/Scholarship
Paul Bunyan/Foundation for Rural Service scholarship: $2500 scholarship for students whose parents/guardians are Paul Bunyan customers.
Deadline: Applications open November 13th for 2024
How to apply: https://www.frs.org/programs/youth-programs/scholarships (click "apply through kaleidoscope" button)
AKPsi Scholarship: For students going to the Carlson School of Management at the U of M. Alpha Kappa Psi is a co-ed (open to men and women) professional business fraternity at the U fo Minnesota. Awards range from $5000-$25,000
Deadline: Applications open in November for 2024.
How to apply: https://www.akpsischolarships.org/
BSU STEM Scholars: For students going to BSU and pursuing a STEM major. Up to $15k/year, renewable!
Deadline: February 1, 2024
How to apply: https://www.bemidjistate.edu/mybsu/finances/aid/categories/scholarships/s-stem-scholarship/
March Deadlines
Blandin Scholarship: Up to $5,000 per year for low-middle income families in our area (adjusted gross household income up to $125,000). NK seniors are strongly encouraged to apply for this one!
Deadline: Window opens January 2nd and closes March 1st, 2025
How to apply: https://blandinfoundation.org/programs/itasca-area/scholarships/
Grand Rapids Area Community Foundation: One application, multiple scholarship opportunities! Two scholarships specifically for NK students, many others open to all area students.
Deadline: Portal opens January 1st, closes March 1st, 2025
How to apply: https://gracf.org/scholarships/
8th District horticultural Society Scholarship: Four or more scholarships ranging from $250-$600 will be awarded to students in the MN Arrowhead region (including St. Louis and Itasca counties) who plan to attend a 2 or 4 year school. Applicant must provide evidence of an interest in horticultural/gardening activities. (Examples: home garden, 4-H, community garden, etc.)
Deadline: March 15, 2024
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1g31OqzQLjjWe1ZRuqoKpHL42Qq4NJbxK/view?usp=drive_link
Folds of Honor Scholarship: For dependents of fallen or disabled US service members or fallen or disabled first responders.
Deadline: Applications open Feb 1st, 2024
How to apply: https://foldsofhonor.org/scholarships/
Community Giving Scholarships: 60 different scholarships available on one website! Open to students going into 2 year programs, 4 year programs or trades. (Note: NK is not listed in their dropdown menu. I have an email out to them about this. Click on Greenway or Hibbing to see a list of scholarships for our area.)
Deadline: Most deadlines are March 1st every year
How to apply: https://www.communitygiving.org/index.php/applyforscholarships
SFM Foundation: Scholarships available to students whose parents were killed or seriously injured in workplace accidents while working for Minnesota or Iowa employers. Up to $10,000/year.
Deadline: March 31, 2024
How to apply: https://www.sfmfoundation.com/apply/
North Star Credit Union: $500 scholarship for an NK senior!
Deadline: March 21st, 2024
Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Scholarships: Two $500 scholarships. One for an area student planning to attend a 4 year college or university and one planning to pursue a 2 year degree or vocational certification.
Deadline: March 29th, 2024
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rlApddNa2lavZmpsPTpsRVorM9dL8wWD/view?usp=sharing
MnACC Scholarships: Open to Minnesota students of color, awards range from $500-$2000. Must be planning to attend a member institution (list of schools available in link.)
Deadline: Application window is January 15-March 15, 2024
How to apply: https://www.mnacc.org/Scholarships
Park State Bank:
Two $2500 scholarships available to high school seniors in the Park State Bank service area (Duluth & Iron Range). Must have a 3.0 or better GPA.
Deadline: March 4, 2024
How to apply: https://www.parkstatebank.com/about/park-state-bank-scholarship-program
Keewatin VFW: Open to NKHS seniors
Deadline: First Friday in March (every year)
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Lf3_HoplU_nsYTABZCPetDEySAHrabC2-uEWxEdxCps/edit?usp=sharing
Horatio Alger Scholarship: This is a rare opportunity for Juniors. 800 state level scholarships of $10,000 and 105 national scholarships of $25,000.
Deadline: applications will open on December 1
How to apply: https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/
EAA Chapter 412 Aviation Scholarship: Open to students going into any aviation related training (i.e., pilot training, aircraft mechanic, air traffic controller, etc.).
Deadline: March 31st (every year)
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iQ-pH1XWY7KLqgQ40V1ngPsfalSS2t8J/view?usp=sharing
Return application to: Suomihillskennel@yahoo.com or
Joel Kersting
60587 Osprey Ave
Swatara, MN 55785
April Deadlines
P.E.O. Chapter EE: $500 scholarship for young women.
Deadline: April 1
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Hzeh_hU3VvYxkHGggeRoT68ZyN3LRl23/view?usp=sharing
Itasca Vintage Car Club: Scholarship for students going into any auto related field (mechanics, auto body, diesel, marketing/advertising, etc.)
Deadline: April 1 (every year) Return application to Mrs. Tucci.
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1f2x7mnNCcwfP1OAHj9wbW6VfGLDzrAIu/view?usp=share_link
Grand Rapids Centennial Rotary:
Three $1000 scholarships for Itasca area students attending any post-secondary program. Essay required. To learn more about Rotary: https://www.rotary.org/en
If you have questions on how to proceed with the essay, you may call Lois Lang at 327-0600.
Deadline: April 5, 2024
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1OlrzFEHjeNE_jeXV5kaRqY67xFf6fvXUICALdT9peHM/edit?usp=sharing
Nashwauk Area Community Foundation: Two $1000 scholarships, one for a student planning to attend a traditional college and one for a student planning to attend a trade or vocational program.
Deadline: April 12, 2024
How to apply: https://www.nashwaukfund.org/ Click on "applications". There are three parts to this application: the application itself, your transcript (you will need to ask me to submit it) and an appraisal form (you will need to ask a teacher, coach, etc to fill this out for you).
Knights of Columbus: For students who attend either St. Cecilia's or Mary Immaculate churches.
Deadline: April 15th (every year)
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/19ZHnWJF8UEYIBY6rpSWavHUmJRiHTC4i/view?usp=sharing
ALI Scholarship: Open to current seniors or recent graduates who are attending or plan to attend HCC, ICC or Mesabi Range. Preference given to students going into engineering, healthcare, industrial technology, construction or automotive. $2000 scholarship!
Deadline: April 15, 2024
How to apply: https://forms.office.com/r/ebDfsVWUPB
Nashwauk American Legion: Open to NK senior boys.
Deadline: April 17th
How to apply:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1msQVe65l51Y8Q-WgcvAKwus26F24xjwO/view?usp=sharing
Alpha Delta Kappa: Scholarship for young women attending Minnesota North College (CIS and/or PSEO student OK) who want to become teachers.
Deadline: April 19th
Hibbing Rotary: The Donald O. Hilligoss II Memorial Scholarship is open to students in Hibbing area high schools (including NK) who demonstrate an outstanding effort in the area of community service. $1000. Students who live in Hibbing are also eligible for the William Larson Memorial Scholarship.
More info/criteria: https://docs.google.com/document/d/13CNO8ftAMykAcM-OXTH5zXWJaYKGyuyb/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=110764074223547012722&rtpof=true&sd=true
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1erOyGxIIpmQEKRzXMgQIaN5oWwLSPnNU/view?usp=sharing
Deadline: April 22, 2024
Emberg Scholarship: For students planning to attend a technical or trade school in NE MN or NW Wisconsin (all Minnesota North campuses qualify, Itasca, Hibbing, etc.).
Deadline: Application window: March 4th-April 25th
How to apply: https://www.csascholars.org/emberg/
Nashwauk American Legion Auxiliary: Open to NK senior girls. $500 scholarship.
Deadline: Extended to April 29th!
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1wLQs8Q-rJ9E0P3ku64NWa3HQhlR6vwPtmmvRVhuV8CM/edit?usp=sharing.
Pengilly Booster Club: $1000 scholarship for an NK grad.
Deadline: April 30th
Nashwauk Fireplugs: Up to two $1000 scholarships. Open to students living in the Nashwauk Fire protection area (Nashwauk, Nashwauk township, Buck Lake area).
Deadline: Last Friday in April (every year)
How to apply: Send completed application to address on cover letter.
Paul Bunyan Local Scholarship: $500 each will go to one NKHS senior girl and one senior boy. No minimum GPA required to apply. Paul Bunyan customer preferred, but not required.
Deadline: April 1 (every year)
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ljtgHQA0mCRiwklquIbEWhR_lgAeolPl6100clsoRm0/edit?usp=sharing
ECMC The College Place Northern Minnesota: Two $500 scholarships will be awarded this fall to two graduating school seniors who will be attending two-year or four-year postsecondary institutions or are pursuing career and technical education in the 2025-26 academic year. Must be a graduating senior in 2025 from northern Minnesota who will be attending a postsecondary institution in 2025-26. Must be signed up to receive correspondence from ECMC, The College Place Northern Minnesota.
Deadline: April 1, 2025
How to apply: Complete the short application at the link below (basic contact info + a short reflection question). https://forms.gle/g3Z3KCKkyeYsks4z8
Michigan Tech Iron Range Alumni Scholarship: $500 scholarship for graduates of any Iron Range high school who plan to attend Michigan Tech.
Deadline: April 1, 2022
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1q0g1MKMScREkAoS0hcglPlPpn7gtLL5r/view?usp=sharing
"Swede" Virgil Rostvold Memorial: Open to NK seniors who plan to attend either ICC or HCC.
Deadline: April 15th (every year)
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u7YHk7ticV27_aTDY60yFTyWSTRGSkIG/view?usp=sharing
Louis DeNucci Memorial: Open to NK seniors planning to attend a vocational/technical college.
Deadline: April 15th (every year)
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SJ_Tps9JQySJtAJXjOum9R0InhmTvFrhT8Qs-JwvSC0/edit?usp=sharing
Hibbing Elks Lodge 1022: Open to graduating seniors who plan to attend college in the fall.
Deadline: 2nd Friday in April (every year)
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1AAKqDQW8cBf2tCPxA7WFNpdX8E2DsgVeppAc9DR6Z5Y/edit?usp=sharing
Keewatin American Legion: Open to NK seniors
Deadline: April 1st (every year)
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MrEU1HMVxWSPKaN2wvrY6IDp0J8O7wrq/view?usp=sharing
Disabled American Veterans of Itasca County, Chapter 13: Open to NKHS seniors pursuing higher education at either a 4 year OR a 2 year technical school.
Deadline: last Friday in April (every year)
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1s9z6JSZ8N0Th2bDYXjLDw26EI2KjQkqIdidAkVzwLl8/edit?usp=sharing
Amvets Post 12 Keewatin: Open to NKHS seniors
Deadline: April 15th (every year)
East Side Neighbors: Open to graduating NK seniors from the Pengilly/Swan Lake area, zip code 55775.
Deadline: First Monday in April (every year)
May Deadlines
Minnesota AFL-CIO scholarships:
Be a union member or dependent of a union member whose local union is affiliated with the AFL-CIO, have a 3.0 or better GPA and planning to attend a post-secondary institution in Minnnesota.
Deadline: May 1st, 2024
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1p69JjIm21K2L79SuvP4Mmx1ZSI7Zr-8f/view?usp=sharing
Minnesota Construction Association:
2 programs: $1000 scholarships for students going into a construction related technical field (i.e, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, carpentry, etc) and another one for up to $4000 for students going to a 4 year school for construction management or related field.
Deadline: May 31st, 2024
How to apply: https://mnconstruction.org/scholarship/
Robert McDonald Memorial Scholarship: Open to iron range senior boys basketball players with a 3.0 or better GPA.
Deadline: May 1
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Sb6n3R3Ge8OTsyVYi9W4R-Yu1iq9OGGr/view?usp=sharing
NK Teachers Local 1444: Open to all graduating NK seniors.
Deadline: First Friday in May (every year)
How to apply: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1VpWRWHb2jSuzVEa6ZDzCEifVq87mI0Pf0nyQqY993z8/edit?usp=sharing
TC Energy: $2500-$5000 Scholarships available to students in TC Energy's project areas (northern MN included). Three scholarship programs: STEM, trades and Indigenous legacy.
Deadline: May 5th, 2023
How to apply: https://www.tcenergy.com/community-giving/scholarships/US/
Hibbing Lodge of Perfection: Open to area students who plan to go to any post-secondary program (college, tech school, etc.)
Deadline: May 15th (every year)
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/10yenYGO_uKwJRmxGPUHymRm5M31gZmvL/view?usp=sharing
Summer Deadlines
Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship:
Available to students of color who are the children or grandchildren of AFL-CIO affiliated unions and who will attend school in the Minnesota State College system.
Deadline: June 1
How to apply: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1pSad_WbK5uAP03cKQ8bPbm0k0OG4zSGT/view?usp=sharing