Normandale Scholarship Programs

Normandale Community College makes scholarship funds available to students through endowment earnings, gifts to the college and grants from outside foundations. The scholarship program recognizes students who have demonstrated outstanding academic, leadership, service and extracurricular achievements. Scholarships also recognize financial need, programs of study and other accomplishments.

Scholarships generally range in value from approximately $375 to $3000 annual awards and are primarily available for full-time students. Awards are for use during Fall and Spring semesters of the academic year and are usually divided equally between each semester.

The 2020-21 Normandale Scholarship application period ended on June 1. Please see the list below for other scholarship opportunities.

HOW TO APPLY:

• All applicants must have their financial need determined before the scholarship deadline to be considered for a Normandale scholarship.
  • U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens must complete the 2020-2021 FAFSA
  • Minnesota residents who are non-citizens (for example, DACA students) must complete the 2020-2021 Dream Act Application
  • International students must be here on an F-1 student visa to be eligible
• Complete the online scholarship application in its entirety. It is highly recommended that you print your completed scholarship application BEFORE submitting!
• Transcripts: If Fall 2020 will be your first time attending college, you must send a copy of your high school transcript to the Normandale Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. If not, you must send college transcripts from all previously attended colleges/universities. Your application will not be considered without transcripts.
• You must be accepted for admission to receive scholarship consideration.
• Only complete submissions will be considered. Scholarship applications will be accepted until June 1.

Other scholarships available to Minnesota State students

LeadMN Leadership Scholarship

The LeadMN Leadership scholarship is for Minnesota State two-year college and four-year university undergraduate students who demonstrate strong leadership skills and a commitment to serving others. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher. Graduate and PSEO students are ineligible. Scholarships are awarded for both fall and spring semesters. Click here

Deadline: April 1 and November 1 semi-annually

James H. and Maryan G. McCormick Leadership Scholarship

The James H. and Maryan G. McCormick Leadership Scholarship recognizes Minnesota State students pursuing a certificate, undergraduate or advanced degree who demonstrate leadership in academic, extracurricular activities and community service. Students must have a 3.0 GPA or higher. PSEO students are ineligible. Scholarships are awarded for the spring semester. Click here

Deadline: November 1 annually

Dr. Steve and Darla Frantz Leadership Endowed Scholarships

The Dr. Steve and Darla Frantz Leadership Endowed Scholarship recognizes Minnesota State students who demonstrate leadership in academics, extracurricular activities and community or national service. Priority will be given to those who are serving or have served in good standing in any branch of the United States Military or other U.S. national service and have exhausted federal and state service related education benefits excluding the MN GI Bill. Must have a 2.5 GPA or higher. PSEO students are ineligible. Scholarships are awarded for the fall semester. Click here

Deadline: April 1 annually

Federated Scholarship

If you were a former Little or High School Big with a Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, you may be eligible for a scholarship up to $5,000. The scholarship is generously sponsored by Federated Insurance and the Federated Challenge. Applicants are required to have been matched in a Minnesota BBBS program for a minimum of 18 months and meet other eligibility criteria.
Click here

Deadline: April 1 annually

Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship

To be eligible for consideration, applicants must meet the following requirements:

• Be an enrolled member of a Federally recognized tribe;
• Be accepted to or currently enrolled in an accredited community college, or four-year college or university within the State of Minnesota;
• Be pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree;
• Possess a minimum GPA of 2.0 for undergraduate applicants and 3.0 for graduate applicants. 

Award amounts range from $500-$2000 per term. Click here

Outside Scholarships

Search for scholarships for college students with Fastweb's free matching service for scholarships. You can also learn about financial aid and student loan options.

The GPS lifeplan offers a Finance section that helps with paying for college and financial literacy. Go to the "Finance Your Education" section for more information about scholarships and financial aid. 

Studying Abroad

Considering study abroad?
You can research available study abroad funding opportunities by clicking here.

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Scholarship Tips

HOW IS YOUR SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION EVALUATED? 

The Scholarship Selection Committee will consider you for all available scholarships for which you meet the criteria. By completing and submitting the Student Scholarship Online Application (along with all required information), you are asking to be considered for all available scholarships. Take your time and be complete in your answers. Of particular interest to the selection committee are your narratives, so be thoughtful in your responses and provide the selection committee with a good picture of who you are and why you are deserving of a scholarship. Another area of interest to the selection committee is your listings of volunteer service, honors and recognition, notable achievements and leadership positions you have held. Your academic record is also heavily considered in the review process.

As you research outside scholarship opportunities, keep these tips in mind:

1. Make sure you meet all eligibility criteria before you submit an application.
2. Complete the application in its entirety. Don't leave any item blank. Make a note on the application why it may not apply to you or indicate "Not Applicable".
3. Follow directions and provide everything that is requested.
4. Write a concise essay. Be as personal and specific as possible. Be creative.
5. Neatness counts. Make copies of the forms you receive and use them as working drafts. Once you have the final version, type it or print it neatly and legibly.
6. Keep track of deadlines.
7. Proofread the entire application before mailing it.
8. Make a copy of the entire application for your records.
9. Be wary as you search the Internet, and be careful of solicitations you receive in the mail from places that "guarantee" you'll receive scholarships if you pay a fee. Each year many families fall prey to scholarship fraud and scams. The Federal Trade Commission warns consumers to be alert for companies that make guarantees or ask for money or credit card numbers. If they are promising something that seems too good to be true, it could be a scam.

To find out how to spot, stop or report a scholarship scam, click here for the Minnesota Attorney General website.

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