Skip To Main Content

Logo Image

Logo Title

Scholarships and Aid

There are links to the scholarship applications, foundation websites, and information throughout the slide show.  The same useful scholarship links and information can be found below. The Local Scholarship Requirements will give you detailed information on each scholarship on a grid which is a quick way to see if you qualify to apply for the scholarship.  After opening the link, you'll be able to go directly to each scholarship website, for more information, by clicking on the scholarship name.

FAFSA

When applying to colleges or universities, it is recommended that ALL students complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This site will help determine eligibility for grants, loans, and other financial aid opportunities. Visit FAFSA - www.fafsa.ed.gov for more information and to complete the forms. Remember, you should never have to pay to complete your FAFSA!  

Get Ready...This is what you need to have with you when you sit down to complete the FAFSA:

  •      Your Social Security Number
  •      Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  •      Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  •      Records of untaxed income (if applicable)
  •      An FSA ID to sign electronically (you can create one if you don't have one already)
  •      Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned.

Scholarship Bulletin

Please give those who are writing your recommendation letters at least 14 days notice. 

Great Options for Finding Scholarships

  • Going Merry: goingmerry.com Features a $20 billion dollar database of scholarships and aid. There are many local scholarships offered as well.  One application allows you to apply to multiple opportunities.  
  • Fast Web: fastweb.com $3 billion in scholarships.  Also features internship and part-time job opportunities.  
  • Scholarships.com: scholarships.com $19 billion in scholarships.  The sign up process is quick and easy.  
  • Chegg Scholarships: https://www.chegg.com/scholarships billion in scholarships.  Additional features include tools to research colleges, buy/sell textbooks, and find tutors.  
  • College Board BigFuture: bigfuture.collegeboard.org 6 Billion in scholarships.  Many sweepstakes-style scholarships.  Features college search and planning tools.
  • Your College Website: Once you are admitted and/or decided on college, check out their financial aid page which often has information on scholarships available to their students. This cannot be stressed enough.  Your college is a great resource for scholarships!
  • Minnesota Department of Higher Education: A complete listing of scholarships offered by each Minnesota college/university is available here: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/sPages/scholarshipsAll.cfm

EAST HIGH SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP NIGHT 

Scholarship Night was held on November 13, 2023
2023-24 Scholarship Slideshow Presentation

 Scholarships for the 2023-2024 School Year

Open: North Star Promise Program: Beginning in fall 2024, the North Star Promise (NSP) Scholarship program will make college accessible and affordable for any eligible Minnesotan who has the desire to earn a credential. The program will cover the full cost of tuition and fees for eligible Minnesotans at public institutions and tribal colleges in the state.

  • Eligibility:

    • You must be a Minnesota resident 

    • Have a family Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) as reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Minnesota Dream Act Application below $80,000.

    • Attend a Minnesota public higher education institution or tribal college

    • Not be in default on a state or federal student loan 

    • Be enrolled taking at least one credit 

    • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards 

    • Have not already earned a baccalaureate degree 

    • Be enrolled in a program or course of study that applies to a degree, diploma, or certificate 

  • How to apply: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.studentaid.gov or Minnesota Dream Act application at www.ohe.state.mn.us/MNDreamAct

  • For more information: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/Documents/North%20Star%20Promise//North%20Star%20Promise%20Scholarship%20Fact%20Sheet_ADA.pdf

Open: Jackie Robinson Foundation Scholarship

  • Due: January 10, 2024

  • Amount: JRF Scholars receive grants of up to $35,000 over four years to supplement the financial aid they receive from their colleges or universities. 

  • Apply: www.jackierobinson.org/apply/

  • Eligibility:

    • Be a graduating, minority high school senior

    • Present evidence of financial need

    • Demonstrate a record of academic excellence

    • Demonstrate leadership potential and a dedication to community service

    • Plan to attend an accredited and approved 4-year college/university within the United States or affiliated with a United States based college or university

    • Have not accrued more than 25% of credits needed to graduate from college

Open: Alworth Scholarship

  • Amount: $24,000 distributed over 8 semesters ($3000 per semester) provided that they maintain a cumulative gpa of 2.85 as a freshman and a 3.0 for subsequent  years.

  • Eligibility: 

    • Have a composite score  of 24 or higher on the ACT

    • Have a minimum high school cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher

    • Pursuing a 4 year degree, including those who begin at a community college

    • Have shown promise for a career in mathematics and in the sciences

    • Be from a family whose Adjusted Gross Income is less than $175,000

  • To Apply: https://www.alworthscholarship.org/eligibility.html

  • DUE: January 15, 2024

 Open: Glen Avon-Peterson Scholarship

  • Due: February 1, 2024

  • Amount : There will be 3 or 4 scholarships given out this year at $4000/ year, renewable for up to four years with good grades

  • Apply: Paper Copy is in the Career Center

  • Eligibility:

    • Demonstrate financial need

    • Show academic potential

    • Have had some past difficulty–personal or scholastic, that has affected their academic standing and who may not, therefore, qualify for other community scholarship

 November 7th: Trinity Masonic Lodge #282

The George Lee Memorial Scholarship of Trinity Masonic Lodge #282 of DUluth, Minnesota was established to assist students who have the ability and desire to receive an education beyond high school in any Minnesota university, college, vocational school, or other accredited institution of higher learning, or the same in states with which Minnesota has a reciprocity agreement.

  • To apply: Paper copy is in the Career Center

  • Eligibility: 

    • Open to any high school senior student regardless of Masonic affiliation

    • Must have no significant attendance, or disciplinary problems in their senior year

    • Must have attained a senior year GPA of 2.5 or greater and shown improvement over previous two years

    • Must meet the academic standards of the school he/she wishes to attend

    • Must show a demonstrated financial need

  • Due: May 25, 2024

Opens November 16th: Gilmore Scholarship

  • Due: January 10, 2024 5 pm Eastern Time

  • To Apply: www.csascholars.org/gilmore

  • Eligibility:

    • High School applicants must be in the upper 8th percentile of their graduating class

    • Be enrolled in, or planning to attend, full-time at an accredited college or university located in the United States.

    • Be of good character or serious purpose

    • Enrollment in an undergraduate study of teaching, business, or engineering

  • Amount: The Amount of the scholarship awards may vary

Opens November 16th: James Wright Hunt Scholarship

  • Due: January 10th 5 pm Eastern Time

  • Apply: www.csascholars.org/hunt

  • Amount: The amount of scholarship awards may vary.

  • Eligibility:

    • Demonstrate character

    • Plan to attend full-time at any branch of the University of Minnesota, Carleton College or the University of Michigan

    • A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

    • Rank in the top 25% of their graduating class

Opens November 16th: Oscar Mitchell & Mary W. Mitchell Scholarship

  • Due: January 31, 2024 5 pm Eastern Time

  • Apply: www.csascholars.org/mitchell

  • Amount: The amount of the scholarship awards may vary

  • Eligibility:

    • Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale

    • Demonstrate financial need

    • Be planning to attend full-time at the University of MN (Duluth or Minneapolis campus only) or any accredited, PRIVATE four year college or university in the United States.

Open: Peter T. Buecher Memorial Scholarship
Open: BIM Scholarship

  • The BIM Scholarship is open to Minnesota students who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for the entire upcoming academic year. 

    • Due: November 13, 2023 3:00 CT

    • Amount: $5000

    • Apply:  learnmore.scholarsapply.org/bim

    • Eligibility: 

    • Be high school seniors, high school graduates or current post secondary undergraduates residing in Minnesota.

    • Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for the entire upcoming academic year.

Open: Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship Contest:

500 four year scholarships will be awarded ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.  Open to any high school senior who is a US Citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.  Applications for the contest are available online at www.enf.elks.org/mvs.  

  • Due: November 13, 2023

Open: Burger King

  • Burger King offers a scholarship opportunity to any high school senior who has a minimum GPA of 2.5.  Must be senior, plan to enroll in a 2 or 4 year college or university or vocational-technical school in 2022-223 school year.

Open: Rove Pest Control in Minneapolis is open to high school students nationwide who have been accepted to a college or university. Amount of $500.00 Special consideration will be given to anyone pursuing a degree in entomology or a related field. GPA of 3.0  The scholarship application must be submitted, in full, by Dec 31, 2023.   Apply online at: http://www.rovepestcontrol.com/rove-pest-control-scholarship

Open: Ghitterman, Ghitterman and Feld Scholarship: will be awarding a scholarship to a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in pre-law studies, or a student entering law school. This scholarship is to be used exclusively for tuition or other related expenses.To apply:  https://www.ghitterman.com/scholarship/

  • Due: December 31, 2023

Open: Rotary 4-Way Essay Contest: The essay contest is open to students in their final 2 years of high school, and the District winner will receive a $1,250 cash award (includes Regional Award of $150).  Six Regional Winners will each receive a cash price of $150. Clubs are encouraged to begin contacting their schools and distributing materials as soon as possible.  Your club’s participation is a statement of interest in the ideas of our young people and demonstrates our belief that it is important to reward our youth for expressing their views in a constructive and meaningful way. 

  • Students in their final 2 years of high school are eligible to participate, preparing an essay of 500 to 1,000 words in length, and using a topic of their choice that incorporates the use of the Rotary 4-Way Test: 

  • IS IT THE TRUTH?

  • IS IT FAIR TO ALL CONCERNED?

  • WILL IT BUILD GOODWILL AND BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

  • WILL IT BE BENEFICIAL TO ALL CONCERNED? 

  • Topics of recent winning essays can be found in the Student Guidelines.

  • TO DOWNLOAD the documents you will need, simply click on the documents located on the left side of this page.  Essays are to be electronically submitted to the Essay Contest Chair, Rozanne Casey, not later than December 31, 2023.  It is suggested that clubs use a deadline of November 30, 2023 for receiving entries so that they can be judged locally and the winning essay sent to the Essay Contest Chair by December 31, 2023.  EACH CLUB’S ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION MUST INCLUDE THE STUDENT ENTRY FORM, CLUB CONTACT INFORMATION AND STUDENT ESSAY PRIOR TO THE DECEMBER 31 2022 DEADLINE. NO LATE ENTRIES, PAPER COPIES OR ENTRIES WITHOUT THE STUDENT INFORMATION FORM WILL BE ACCEPTED. ALL ENTRIES MUST COME FROM D5580 CLUBS, NO STUDENT SUBMITTED ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED. 

  • Rozanne's email address and contact information are as follows: 

  • Rozanne Casey

  • District 5580 Essay Contest Chair

  • Office:  218-999-0830 - Cell: 218.259.4141

  • Email: rozannecasey@ymail.com

  •   https://rotary5580.org/sitepage/four-way-essay

Open: Minnesota Indian Scholarship: provides postsecondary financial assistance to eligible Minnesota resident students who demonstrate financial need for an award.

  • Eligibility: 

    • Are one-fourth or more American Indian ancestry OR an enrolled member or citizen of a federally-recognized American Indian tribe or Canadian First Nation

    • Are a Minnesota resident

    • Apply for other existing state and federal scholarship and grant programs

    • Enroll at least ¾ time as an undergraduate OR ½ time as a graduate student in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at an accredited postsecondary institution in Minnesota

    • Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

    • Are not in default on a federal or state student loan or, if in default, have regained eligibility for federal or state student aid

    • Qualify for either a Pell or State Grant and demonstrate financial need as an undergraduate student OR demonstrate financial need as a graduate student.

  • Amount: The annual award amount is up to $4,000 per academic year for undergraduate students and up to $6,000 per academic year for graduate students.

  • To apply: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=149

  • Deadline: July 1, 2024

Open: Harbor Pointe Credit Union

  • Award: Four $2,000 Scholarships will be awarded.

  • Please Note: For scholarship applications to be considered students must be a Harbor Pointe Credit Union member by the scholarship application deadline. A savings account with a $5 deposit is all that is needed to be a member. 

  • Deadline for applying is: February 15, 2024

  • To apply for a scholarship: A paper copy of the application is in the Career Center

Opens December 1st: James V. Acheson Sr. Scholarship, Founder of Sammy’s Pizza, Lakeside: The James V. Acheson Sr. Scholarship is available to high school seniors graduating in the academic year 2023/2024. The scholarship opens on Friday, December 1st and closes on Thursday, February 15th. This $1000 nonrefundable scholarship will be awarded to a senior at Duluth East with a disability who is pursuing a higher education, including a 4 yr, 2 yr or technical degree or certification.

  • To apply: Pick up application in the Career Center

SCHOLARSHIPS DUE IN OCTOBER 2023

October 1: MAKA (Minnesota Association for Korean Americans) Scholarship: The Minnesota Association of Korean Students is offering $1500 scholarships to students of Korean heritage who are pursuing post secondary education.  Students must be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States with a minimum GPA of 3.0.  The student must also be at least 25% biologically Korean.   Online application:  https://www.makaweb.org/   

October 1: Ann Bancroft Foundation -The Ann Bancroft Foundation Grant application is open to any K–12th grade Minnesota resident who identifies as a girl. Grants are available to fund art, cultural, leadership, educational, outdoors/wilderness experiences, sport, athletic, dance equipment, or participation fees. Given the increased requirements for technology due to the COVID-19 pandemic, for this fall 2022 granting cycle, we are also funding technology equipment and technology access Apply at: https://www.annbancroftfoundation.org/programs/grant-programs 

October 2: Coca –Cola Scholars Program: Each year, they award 150 scholarships of $20,000 each.  Eligibility requirements are:  residency qualifications, minimum 3.0 GPA at the end of junior year, and planning to attend an accredited U.S. post-secondary institution. Award is based on leadership, academics and service. For more information, go to  https://www.coca-colascholarsfoundation.org/apply/ Students must apply online. 

October 17: Heisman High School Scholarship: The Heisman Memorial Trophy is renowned for symbolizing the pursuit of excellence with integrity. The Heisman High School Scholarship, presented by Acceptance Insurance, extends the Heisman prestige to our nation’s most esteemed male and female high school seniors by recognizing and rewarding outstanding scholar-athletes who understand that the most important victories not only happen on the field, but in their schools and communities. These remarkable young leaders set an example and make a game-changing difference every day, paving the way to greatness for everyone around them.     https://heismanscholarship.com/application/are-you-eligible/      Students must submit their application by October 18, 2022 at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.  The application must be reviewed and submitted by the school official listed in the application by October 20, 2022 at 3 p.m. PT/6 p.m. ET.

October  19: MSCA Scholarship  Minnesota School Counselor Association (MSCA) is providing Ten $500 scholarships awarded to individuals pursuing post-secondary education at an institution of their choice. For more information about MSCA visit: www.mnschoolcounselors.org

MSCA Scholarship Eligibility:

* Applicants must be a Minnesota public or private high school senior

* Applicants must be able to articulate how a licensed school counselor impacted their life

* The licensed school counselor written about MUST be a member of MSCACounselors  (Note: All East counselors are members) 

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WWuce8344AqbB4cag4Lygq6yhzA-kA4D/view?usp=sharing  

October 28: U.S. Senate Youth Program: A great opportunity for Minnesota students – a week in Washington D.C. and a $10,000 scholarship. Two high school junior or senior students are selected as delegates from each state. Delegates will visit Washington D.C with all expenses paid.  Applicants should be serving in an elected or selected capacity in a student, civic or educational organization for an entire school year. Visit the program website at https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/youth/ for an application.  You must contact the Minnesota representative,  Ms. Leigh Nida to be considered.  Email: mde.USSYP@state.mn.us  or phone: (651) 582-8615. 

SCHOLARSHIPS DUE IN NOVEMBER 2023

November 2: Prudential Spirit of Community Awards: Students in grades 9-12 that have made a difference through volunteering over the past year are eligible for this scholarship. You could be honored at the local, state, or national level for your volunteer work. State winners will receive $1000 and a trip to Washington D.C. this spring.  National honorees are chosen from the state winners, and will receive an additional $5,000 scholarship.   Visit: https://www.changemakers.com/challenge/emergingvisionaries  to apply. 

November 13: Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Scholarship Contest: 500 four year scholarships will be awarded ranging from $1,000 to $50,000.  Open to any high school senior who is a US Citizen. Applicants will be judged on scholarship, leadership, and financial need.  Applications for the contest are available online at www.enf.elks.org/mvs.  

November 13: BIM Scholarship: The BIM Scholarship is open to Minnesota students who plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for the entire upcoming academic year. The amount of this scholarship is $5000.  Applicants to the BIM Scholarship Program must: 

  • Be high school seniors, high school graduates or current post secondary undergraduates residing in Minnesota.

  • Plan to enroll in full-time undergraduate study at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities for the entire upcoming academic year.

  • To apply: learnmore.scholarsapply.org/bim

  • Deadline to apply: November 13, 2023 3:00 CT

November 16: Cooke College Scholarship: Undergraduate scholarships up to $55,000 per year for four years; available to seniors who plan to attend an accredited four year university/college.Have a GPA of 3.5 or above and demonstrate significant financial need. ACT/SAT has been waived. Consideration for applicants with family income up to $95,000. (Last year’s cohort of new college scholarship recipients had a median family income of approximately $35,000.)

Criteria for selection also includes persistence, service to others, and leadership. To apply, go to: https://www.jkcf.org/our-scholarships/college-scholarship-program/  The application is through the Common App and closes on November 16.

November 19: MSA Law Enforcement Scholarship: The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association recognizes the importance of pre-service training to prepare individuals in the rewarding career of public service. It also recognizes that some candidates need outside help in meeting the costs of such training, as well as those candidates who excel academically. The Minnesota Sheriffs’ Association has determined that education is a fundamental core of our Association. Scholarships are only available to students currently enrolled in one of the following three categories: Mandated POST skills program; In the second year of a two-year law enforcement program; or in the third or fourth year of a four-year college criminal justice course. Amount is $2000.

https://www.scholarships.com/financial-aid/college-scholarships/scholarship-directory/residence-state/minnesota/msa-law-enforcement-scholarship

SCHOLARSHIPS DUE IN DECEMBER 2023

December 15: Burger King - Burger King offers a scholarship opportunity to any high school senior who has a minimum GPA of 2.5.  Must be senior, plan to enroll in a 2 or 4 year college or university or vocational-technical school in 2022-223 school year. Award is $1,000 - $50,000 Deadline is December 15, 2023 - or when 50,000 applications have been received. https://www.burgerkingfoundation.org/programs/burger-king-sm-scholars

December 31: Rove Pest Control in Minneapolis is open to high school students nationwide who have been accepted to a college or university. Amount of $500.00 Special consideration will be given to anyone pursuing a degree in entomology or a related field. GPA of 3.0  The scholarship application must be submitted, in full, by Dec 31, 2023.   Apply online at: http://www.rovepestcontrol.com/rove-pest-control-scholarship

December 31: Ghitterman, Ghitterman and Feld Scholarship: will be awarding a scholarship to a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in pre-law studies, or a student entering law school. This scholarship is to be used exclusively for tuition or other related expenses.To apply:  https://www.ghitterman.com/scholarship/

December 31: Rotary 4-Way Essay Contest: The essay contest is open to students in their final 2 years of high school, and the District winner will receive a $1,250 cash award (includes Regional Award of $150).  Six Regional Winners will each receive a cash price of $150. Clubs are encouraged to begin contacting their schools and distributing materials as soon as possible.  Your club’s participation is a statement of interest in the ideas of our young people and demonstrates our belief that it is important to reward our youth for expressing their views in a constructive and meaningful way. 

Students in their final 2 years of high school are eligible to participate, preparing an essay of 500 to 1,000 words in length, and using a topic of their choice that incorporates the use of the Rotary 4-Way Test: 

  • Is it the truth?
  • Is it fair to all concerned?
  • Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned?

Essays are to be electronically submitted to the Essay Contest Chair, Rozanne Casey, not later than December 31, 2023.  It is suggested that clubs use a deadline of November 30, 2023 for receiving entries so that they can be judged locally and the winning essay sent to the Essay Contest Chair by December 31, 2023. 

Rozanne's email address and contact information are as follows:

Office:  218-999-0830 - Cell: 218.259.4141

Email: rozannecasey@ymail.com

 https://rotary5580.org/sitepage/four-way-essay