Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

Each year Boreal Waters awards more than $800,000 in scholarships to students across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. These awards, made possible by generous individuals, families, and organizations, support learners of all ages as they pursue further education and give back to their communities.

A few practical notes before we look at a specific scholarship:
- If you're planning for college, technical school, or another form of post-secondary training, the Boreal Waters search tool can help you find scholarships that match your background, interests, and location.
- Most scholarships are applied for through the universal application, which opens in December 2025 and closes on February 24, 2026. Mark your calendar.

Riley Burnell Criminal Justice Memorial Scholarship Fund
This scholarship honors the memory of Riley Burnell, who was born in 1988 in International Falls and grew up determined to become a police officer. Riley earned degrees from Rainy River Community College, Bemidji State University, and Alexandria Technical College, and he served part time with both the Koochiching County Sheriff’s Office and the International Falls Police Department. The fund awards a college scholarship to a Koochiching County student pursuing a career in criminal justice or a related field.

Eligibility (key points)
- Residency: Must be a resident of Koochiching County. Eligible high schools include Indus High School, Falls High School, Littlefork–Big Falls High School, Northome Secondary High School, and Adult Learning Center ISD 361.
- Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.0.
- Financial: Must demonstrate financial need.
- Career focus: Plan to pursue studies in law enforcement, criminal justice, conservation officer work, border patrol, or another justice-related career.
- Character: Demonstrated good citizenship and community involvement.

Award
- $2,500 for one year.

Application cycle
- This scholarship is part of the universal application process (see dates above).

Quick teacher tip: If you plan to apply, start gathering proof of residency, your transcript to verify GPA, and examples of community involvement now. Those items often take time to assemble and will make your application stronger.