Minnesota Power Community Involvement Scholarship

Scholarship Sponsored by Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation

Summary This scholarship from the Minnesota Power Foundation (Positively Powerful Scholarship Fund) helps remove financial barriers for students in Minnesota Power’s service area who have demonstrated integrity, academic achievement, and real grit. It supports students pursuing degrees in business, STEM, education (math & science), and related fields, with awards intended to strengthen the region’s economic and cultural life. Who is eligible To qualify you must: - Be a graduate of a Minnesota high school located in the Minnesota Power service area and currently reside in one of these counties: Aitkin, Benton, Carlton, Cass, Crow Wing, Hubbard, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Morrison, Otter Tail, Pine, St. Louis, Stearns, Todd, or Wadena. - Be enrolled in or planning to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in one of these areas: Accounting, Business, Economics, Education (Math & Science), Engineering, Math, Science, or Technology. Applicants pursuing an AA/AS in Business or STEM fields are also eligible. - Attend one of the approved schools: Central Lakes College; the College of St. Scholastica; Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College; Hibbing Community College; Iron Range Engineering; Itasca Community College; Lake Superior College; Leech Lake Tribal College; Mesabi Range College; Rainy River Community College; the University of Minnesota Duluth; or Vermilion Community College. - Demonstrate financial need (expected family contribution no more than $25,000). - Have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. - Demonstrate grit and perseverance (examples in your application will help). Award amount and duration - Awards: $1,500 to $2,500 per year. - Duration: Renewable for up to two years (total award $3,000–$5,000). How to apply - Grant cycle: Universal Application (use the foundation’s Universal Application to apply). - Applications open: December 1, 2025. - Deadline: February 24, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. Notifications and payments - Recipients will be notified by email no later than May 1, 2026. - Scholarship payments will be sent directly to schools: - Fall semester payments by July 30, 2026. - Spring semester payments by December 30, 2026. Tax information The Duluth Superior Area Community Foundation (DSACF) recommends you get tax advice about scholarships. Per the IRS, scholarships and grants are tax-free if: - You are a candidate for a degree at an accredited educational institution with a regular faculty and curriculum, and regularly enrolled students; and - The funds are used for qualified expenses—tuition and required fees for enrollment or attendance, or for required fees, books, supplies, and equipment for courses. Quick checklist for applicants - Confirm you live in a qualifying county and graduated from a Minnesota high school in the service area. - Verify your intended major and that your school is on the approved list. - Gather your FAFSA or Student Aid Report (to confirm EFC ≤ $25,000) and your transcript (GPA ≥ 2.5). - Prepare a short, honest statement or examples that show your grit and perseverance. - Complete the Universal Application between Dec 1, 2025 and Feb 24, 2026. If you want, I can help you draft a brief personal statement that highlights grit and perseverance or make a checklist tailored to your situation.