Available Scholarships

Walter and Pauline Castner Scholarship 

This scholarship was created in memory of “Dosia” Castner, who was born on a family farm and taught in most of the county schools in Kalmar township. This scholarship supports any Byron High School senior who plans to pursue a post-secondary degree in an agricultural related field, or in elementary or secondary (K-12) education. $3,000 award.

Amy L. Donahoe Memorial Scholarship 

This scholarship was established jointly by GEOTEK Corporation and Conrad Fingerson, a private donor, in honor of Amy L. Donahoe who was a co-founder of GEOTEK Corporation. The scholarship awards students interested in pursuing a business or engineering degree, or a degree in fields related to those disciplines. Eligible students must be a current senior enrolled at Chatfield High School. $1,000 award.

JM Class of 1964 Scholarship 

This scholarship was established as meaningful and lasting way for the Class of ’64 to celebrate its 50th reunion and in gratitude to the JMHS faculty, staff, community, families, and friends whose support was received during their high school years. This scholarship will be awarded to a graduating senior at John Marshall High School planning to attend an accredited post-secondary institution, who has at least a 3.0 GPA, demonstrates outstanding school and community leadership, and has financial need. One $1,000 award.

Marjorie L. Seeba Holt Scholarship Fund 

This memorial scholarship fund was created to support a John Marshall student enrolled to attend Rochester Community Technical College. This scholarship will be awarded to students who have maintained at least a 2.5 GPA, have financial need, and will be attending Rochester Community Technical College. There is a preference for students interested in business. One $4,000 award.

Better Chance Scholarship Fund 

This scholarship extends the vision of the Rochester Better Chance program to provide advanced education opportunities to underprivileged students attending John Marshall High School. Awards are given to students with at least a 3.0 GPA, who participated in community service and the John Marshall community. Three $2,000 awards.

Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Lance Pfrimmer, who was raised in a family that valued the importance of track and field and cross country. The Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Scholarship supports students who ran track and field and/or cross country in high school and with a preference to students who are still running while pursuing a post-secondary degree. Eligible students must be in the process of applying to college or are currently pursuing a college undergraduate education who went to high school at Mayo, John Marshall, or Century. $1,000 award.

Joyce L. Osborn Scholarship Fund

Joyce L. Osborn established this scholarship with her last will and testament. This scholarship will be available to students who meet the following criteria:

• Graduates of a Rochester, MN public high school
• Must be enrolled in their first, second, third, or fourth year of an accredited not-for-profit post-secondary institution
• Have demonstrated outstanding ability in the study of mathematics and wish to pursue mathematics or a related career
• Demonstrate financial need

Students may apply for and receive this scholarship for four years. $1,500 awards. If you are a previous scholarship recipient interested in renewing your award, contact Ellen at ebrennan@rochesterarea.org.

Katharine Kilbourne Memorial Scholarship Fund

This memorial scholarship fund was created to provide financial aid to first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. Students must be high school seniors, poised to be first-generation college students, and live in the city of Rochester. There is a preference for those looking to give back through a career in education. One $1,000 award.

Kasson-Mantorville Scholarship Fund 

This scholarship fund was established through generous donations by many individuals, groups and organizations in the greater Kasson-Mantorville area to honor scholastic performance, extracurricular and community involvement, and future goals and aspirations of Kasson-Mantorville High School graduating seniors. Eligible students must be a current high school senior at Kasson-Mantorville High School and have been enrolled at KMHS for two quarters prior to applying. The scholarship awards students with significant extracurricular activities, volunteer or work experience, and considers unusual circumstances. Awards range from $1,000 – $2,000.

GySgt Blaine Miller Halvorson Memorial Scholarship Fund 

The GySgt Blaine Miller Halvorson Memorial Scholarship will honor the legacy of a community hero. Blaine was a 27 year old Marine when he tragically was killed in a motor vehicle accident. He pushed another to safety and saved multiple lives through organ donation. Blaine was a strong supporter of those who served in the military or public service, and those who had careers within the trades. He looked for opportunities to help others and do good things. Eligible students must be a current high-school senior at KMHS for two quarters prior to applying who is planning to pursue a career in trades or public service. $1,000 awards.

Ron & Marsha Durst Scholarship Fund 

This scholarship was established to fulfill a desire of Ron and Marsha Durst to help fund college education for students pursuing a degree in education, medicine or agriculture. Their family places a high value on the lifelong benefits they received from obtaining college degrees. $3,000 award.

Kristi Lambert Memorial Scholarship 

The Kristi L. Lambert Memorial Scholarship Fund was created through a generous donation from the Wal-Mart Foundation to benefit graduating seniors at Mayo High School. It is awarded annually to seniors who plan to continue their education at a post-secondary accredited institution with preference given to those applicants who have a record of volunteer service in the community, particular working with diverse populations. $500 award.

Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Lance Pfrimmer, who was raised in a family that valued the importance of track and field and cross country. The Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Scholarship supports students who ran track and field and/or cross country in high school and with a preference to students who are still running while pursuing a post-secondary degree. Eligible students must be in the process of applying to college or are currently pursuing a college undergraduate education who went to high school at Mayo, John Marshall, or Century. $1,000 award.

Joyce L. Osborn Scholarship Fund

Joyce L. Osborn established this scholarship with her last will and testament. This scholarship will be available to students who meet the following criteria:

• Graduates of a Rochester, MN public high school
• Must be enrolled in their first, second, third, or fourth year of an accredited not-for-profit post-secondary institution
• Have demonstrated outstanding ability in the study of mathematics and wish to pursue mathematics or a related career
• Demonstrate financial need

Students may apply for and receive this scholarship for four years. $1,500 awards. If you are a previous scholarship recipient interested in renewing your award, contact Ellen at ebrennan@rochesterarea.org.

Katharine Kilbourne Memorial Scholarship Fund

This memorial scholarship fund was created to provide financial aid to first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. Students must be high school seniors, poised to be first-generation college students, and live in the city of Rochester. There is a preference for those looking to give back through a career in education. One $1,000 award.

Stewartville Merit-Based Scholarship Fund

The Stewartville Merit-Based Scholarship Fund has been generously funded by several donors interested in promoting educational excellence for graduating Stewartville High School Seniors. Eligible students must be a current senior enrolled at Stewartville Public Schools pursuing a career in education, business, math, or science. Selected applicants will have the background to be successful in their chosen field based on academic excellence, work experience and community participation. $500 awards.

Dorothy and J. Edwin Brin Scholarship Fund

Dorothy Brin taught home economics for thirty-two years both in Minneapolis and in Stewartville. She and her husband were committed to education needs for Stewartville students. This scholarship was established to encourage Stewartville public school students who have demonstrated financial need to pursue higher education. Academic achievement, leadership, and good citizenship will be evaluated for students interested in careers related to economics, business, agriculture or education. $1,000 awards.

Dr. A.O. Hagen-Helen Tews Hagen Scholarship

Dr. A.O. Hagen hailed originally from Kasson, but after graduating from the dental college at the University he established his dental practice in Stewartville. His wife, Helen, lived in Stewartville her entire life where her parents owned and operated the Tews Hotel for 47 years. The Hagens wanted to give the youth of their community the opportunity to further their education, and chose to award their scholarships to high school seniors demonstrating academic achievement, leadership, citizenship and financial need for students pursuing a four-year degree. $1,500 awards.

Leona Engel Memorial Scholarship Fund

Leona Engel was a divorced, single parent who worked long hours to ensure that her children had what they needed, while encouraging them to do their best in school and get an advanced degree. The scholarship is dedicated to her and the inspiring teachers at Stewartville High. Scholarships are awarded to Stewartville High School seniors with financial need, who are academically successful and contribute to the community through volunteerism and service. Awards vary in size.

Please note that for 2023, students must have an EFC score below $14,001 ($0-$14,000) to be awarded a scholarship from the Leona Engel Memorial Scholarship Fund.

Stewartville Tiger Scholarship Fund

The Stewartville Tiger Need-Based Scholarship Fund has been established by generous donors concerned with outstanding students who have financial or other needs that may present barriers to access for higher education. Eligible students must be a current senior enrolled at Stewartville Public Schools with financial need or who have experienced a family hardship. Specific criteria to be considered also include academic achievement, leadership, and good citizenship. $500 awards.

Aseda Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of the donors’ parents, Lewis & Adeline Roberts and Robert & Lily Essah. The purpose is to facilitate undergraduate college education of foreign-born or U.S.-born African Americans who are permanent residents or US citizens and are in the process of applying to college or are currently pursuing a college undergraduate education in science and technology including fields related to medicine, math and engineering. One $1,000 award.

Aviation Pathways Warner Family Scholarship for Women in Aviation Fund

This scholarship fund was created to provide support for students with a desire to enter an aviation career, this phase is specifically for female students interested in becoming pilots. Students can be high school seniors, college freshmen or sophomores, from Southeast Minnesota counties. Minimum GPA is 2.5. Students must be entering or engaged in an aviation-related degree program at an accredited college, university, technical college, or nationally recognized aviation training program. Two $2,000/year awards (maximum 2 years) .

Minnesota BetterLife Scholarship Fund

The Minnesota BetterLife Scholarship Fund has been generously funded by the Minnesota BetterLife lodge interested in promoting community service. Eligible students must be current high school seniors or pursuing an undergraduate degree with a preference to students who are members of a BetterLife lodge or branch in Minnesota. Selected applicants will have the background to be successful based on academic achievements, work experience and community participation. $1,000 awards.

Blenkush, Dilley, Tvedt, Tyce and Olson Memorial Scholarship Fund

This memorial scholarship fund was created to honor individuals who worked in the PORT Community Corrections program. The scholarship assists those living in Dodge, Fillmore or Olmsted County who are convicted felons, adjudicated juveniles, youth who have been involved with the County court systems, or youth who are under or have successfully completed correctional supervision in an official diversion program within those counties. $1,500 awards.

Joyce L. Osborn Scholarship Fund

Joyce L. Osborn established this scholarship with her last will and testament. This scholarship will be available to students who meet the following criteria:

• Graduates of a Rochester, MN public high school
• Must be enrolled in their first, second, third, or fourth year of an accredited not-for-profit post-secondary institution
• Have demonstrated outstanding ability in the study of mathematics and wish to pursue mathematics or a related career
• Demonstrate financial need

Students may apply for and receive this scholarship for four years. $1,500 awards. If you are a previous scholarship recipient interested in renewing your award, contact Ellen at ebrennan@rochesterarea.org.

Katharine Kilbourne Memorial Scholarship Fund

This memorial scholarship fund was created to provide financial aid to first-generation college students who demonstrate financial need and strong academic performance. Students must be high school seniors, poised to be first-generation college students, and live in the city of Rochester. There is a preference for those looking to give back through a career in education. One $1,000 award.

Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was created in memory of Lance Pfrimmer, who was raised in a family that valued the importance of track and field and cross country. The Lance Pfrimmer Memorial Scholarship supports students who ran track and field and/or cross country in high school and with a preference to students who are still running while pursuing a post-secondary degree. Eligible students must be in the process of applying to college or are currently pursuing a college undergraduate education who went to high school at Mayo, John Marshall, or Century. $1,000 award.

Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial aid to individuals growing up in southeast Minnesota who are committed to sustainability in the fields of agriculture and forestry, have demonstrated leadership and communication skills, and are interested in pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture and/or forestry. Sustainable practices ensure clean water, health regenerative soils, and vibrant rural communities for future generations. The scholarship fund seeks to find the next generation of agricultural and forestry professionals who will learn how to manage our environment on a completely sustainable basis, provide food and shelter for people, and in the process protect our precious natural resources for our children and those yet to come. This scholarship is available to undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students from Southeast Minnesota. $5,000 award. More information can be found at https://www.protectourresources.org/index.html.

Tammy Schettl-Morris Memorial Scholarship

The Tammy Schettl-Morris scholarship fund honors the legacy of an incredible woman. Tammy grew up in multiple broken homes. She could have let those experiences change her negatively, but she chose differently. She chose to break the cycle and to dedicate her life to helping children and young adults by being a foster mom and creating positive change for so many young people. Her legacy will continue by providing scholarships to youth who have experienced challenges in life and want a better future. This scholarship is available to high school seniors residing in Olmsted or Goodhue Counties who have had a foster care placement at some point in their lives. $1,000 award.

Wyatt M. Coy Memorial Scholarship

Wyatt Coy was a loving, compassionate, funny kid. He lit up a room with his smile and he had the best belly laugh! He loved to help other people and was never afraid to be vulnerable with others. He was the sunshine in many people’s lives but could not often find his own light. Wyatt died by suicide when he was 18 years old. This scholarship was created to provide funding to support education for those who wish to help others when they are dealing with mental health problems. This scholarship is available to undergraduate or graduate students who have a permanent address in OR attended high school in the Zumbro Education District (Blooming Prairie, Byron, Hayfield, KM, Pine Island, Stewartville, or Triton) and who are pursuing a career in which supporting the mental health needs of others plays a major role.

Aseda Scholarship Fund

This scholarship was established in memory of the donors’ parents, Lewis & Adeline Roberts and Robert & Lily Essah. The purpose is to facilitate undergraduate college education of foreign-born or U.S.-born African Americans who are permanent residents or US citizens and are in the process of applying to college or are currently pursuing a college undergraduate education in science and technology including fields related to medicine, math and engineering. One $1,000 award.

Aviation Pathways Scholarship Fund

This scholarship fund was created to provide support for students with a desire to enter an aviation career. Examples include, but not limited to commercial pilot, air traffic controller, flight instructor, airport management and operations, or aircraft mechanic (A&P). Students can be high school seniors, college freshmen or sophomores, from Southeast Minnesota counties. Minimum GPA is 2.5. Students must be entering or engaged in an aviation-related degree program at an accredited college, university, technical college, or nationally recognized aviation training program. Two $1,000 awards.

Aviation Pathways Warner Family Scholarship for Women in Aviation Fund

This scholarship fund was created to provide support for students with a desire to enter an aviation career, this phase is specifically for female students interested in becoming pilots. Students can be high school seniors, college freshmen or sophomores, from Southeast Minnesota counties. Minimum GPA is 2.5. Students must be entering or engaged in an aviation-related degree program at an accredited college, university, technical college, or nationally recognized aviation training program. Two $2,000/year awards (maximum 2 years) .

Blenkush, Dilley, Tvedt, Tyce and Olson Memorial Scholarship Fund

This memorial scholarship fund was created to honor individuals who worked in the PORT Community Corrections program. The scholarship assists those living in Dodge, Fillmore or Olmsted County who are convicted felons, adjudicated juveniles, youth who have been involved with the County court systems, or youth who are under or have successfully completed correctional supervision in an official diversion program within those counties. $1,500 awards.

Sustainable Agriculture & Forestry Scholarship Fund

The purpose of this scholarship is to provide financial aid to individuals growing up in southeast Minnesota who are committed to sustainability in the fields of agriculture and forestry, have demonstrated leadership and communication skills, and are interested in pursuing a career in sustainable agriculture and/or forestry. Sustainable practices ensure clean water, health regenerative soils, and vibrant rural communities for future generations. The scholarship fund seeks to find the next generation of agricultural and forestry professionals who will learn how to manage our environment on a completely sustainable basis, provide food and shelter for people, and in the process protect our precious natural resources for our children and those yet to come. This scholarship is available to undergraduate students in their junior or senior year and graduate students from Southeast Minnesota. $5,000 award. More information can be found at https://www.protectourresources.org/index.html.

Wyatt M. Coy Memorial Scholarship Fund

Wyatt Coy was a loving, compassionate, funny kid. He lit up a room with his smile and he had the best belly laugh! He loved to help other people and was never afraid to be vulnerable with others. He was the sunshine in many people’s lives but could not often find his own light. Wyatt died by suicide when he was 18 years old. This scholarship was created to provide funding to support education for those who wish to help others when they are dealing with mental health problems. This scholarship is available to undergraduate or graduate students who have a permanent address in OR attended high school in the Zumbro Education District (Blooming Prairie, Byron, Hayfield, KM, Pine Island, Stewartville, or Triton) and who are pursuing a career in which supporting the mental health needs of others plays a major role.