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 Foundation Scholarship application is now open online! You can complete one application for consideration for all scholarships. Make sure you apply before the June 1, 2021 deadline.

Because some scholarships require a calculation of financial need, we ask that you complete your 2021-22 FAFSA or 2021-22 MN Dream Act application by May 25th. International students students must have a F-1 visa to be eligible.

Other scholarships available to Minnesota State students

Mark M Welter Leadership Scholarship

The Mark M Welter Leadership scholarship is for Minnesota State two-year college and fou-year university undergraduate and graduate students who have strong leadership skills and a commitment to serving others. Scholarships are awarded for both fall and spring semesters. Click here

Deadline: April 1 and November 1 semi-annually

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

McCormick Leadership Scholarship

The 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

Linda Olson Memorial Scholarship

The Linda Olson Memorial Scholarship is for Minnesota State college and university students who demonstrate strong leadership in academic achievement, extracurricular activities and community service. Scholarships are awarded for both fall and spring semesters. Click here

Deadline: April 1 and November 1 semi-annually

Christine Rice Annual Scholarship

The Christine Rice Annual Scholarship is for women who are enrolled in a health-oriented degree program at one of Minnesota State's two-year colleges. Click here

Deadline: April 1 annually

John and Kathryn O'Brien Scholarship

The John and Kathryn O'Brien Scholarship is for Minnesota State two-year college students who are degree-seeking immigrants, children of immigrants and undocumented students with demonstrated need attending one of Minnesota State's colleges. Scholarships are awarded for both fall and spring semesters. Click here

Deadline: April 1 and November 1 semi-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

Nellie Stone Johnson Scholarship

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

• Be enrolled or accepted into a program at a Minnesota State institution
• Applicant must be a racial/ethnic group member
• Undergraduate applicants must have a 2.0 GPA. Graduate students must have a 3.0 GPA
• Full time status for undergraduates is 12 credits or more, and 6 credits or more for graduate students. Part-time status for undergraduate students is 6-11 credits.
• Part-time scholarship recipients will be awarded up to $1,200 and Full-time scholarship recipients will be awarded up to $2500.

For more information, click here.

• Applicant must be a student of color
• Student must be a graduate of a Minnesota high school
• Be enrolled in an accredited Minnesota post-secondary educational institution
• Register and maintain full-time status throughout the academic year they are awarded the grant, in order to remain eligible

For more information, click here.

Anna M. Kuhl Scholarship

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

• Must have resided in St. Paul or nerby community
• Demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Demonstrate character and integrity
• Be enrolled or plannig to enroll full-time in an undergraduate course of study

For more information, 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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