North Dakota Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by North Dakota University System

Overview — what this scholarship is
- The North Dakota Scholarship is a $6,000 award for students who meet state requirements. It can be used at approved colleges, universities, professional schools, and registered apprenticeship programs in North Dakota.
- The scholarship aligns with the Choice Ready framework, but the scholarship requirements are more rigorous than the basic Choice Ready indicators.
- The legal reference is NDCC 15.1-21-02.10. For full, official language and examples, see the North Dakota Scholarship Framework online.

How eligibility works (short version)
1. Every applicant must meet the ESSENTIAL SKILLS requirements.
2. In addition, the student must meet at least two of the three CHOICE READY pathways: POST‑SECONDARY READY, WORKFORCE READY, or MILITARY READY.
If you satisfy Essential Skills + any two of the three pathways, you qualify for the scholarship.

Important verification and deadlines
- Public schools: mark the correct indicators in each student’s Choice Ready report. Deadline to complete the Choice Ready report is June 30. If an indicator is not marked there, it cannot be used for scholarship eligibility.
- Nonpublic schools: complete and submit the Nonpublic School Verification Form.
- Home‑educated students: complete, sign, have notarized, and submit the Home Education Verification Form.
- Online scholarship application opens January 5, 2026. It is for students who graduate as part of the Class of 2026. Graduates from earlier years should contact Jim Upgren at 701‑328‑2244.
- Applications received after June 5, 2026 are not guaranteed to be processed in time for fall 2026 scholarship disbursements.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS (required for everyone)
Students must meet all of the following:
- Earn a North Dakota high school diploma.
- Complete a 9‑week Career Education or Individual Counseling experience.
- Maintain a 4‑year rolling plan.
- Pass the North Dakota Civics Test.
- Earn an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher.
- Achieve at least four of the additional indicators listed below:
- 25 hours of community service
- 95% attendance (excluding school‑related absences)
- Career exploration experience
- Two or more years in organized co‑curricular activities
- Two or more years in organized extra‑curricular activities
- Successfully complete a capstone project
- Successfully complete an online learning course
- Demonstrate competency in 21st century skills

POST‑SECONDARY READY (one of the three pathways)
To qualify for this pathway you must complete both parts below:
A. Assessment minimum:
- ACT composite of 24 (or equivalent NDA+), OR
- SAT composite of 1180
B. Plus two or more additional indicators (examples):
- Advanced Placement course (grade A, B, or C)
- Dual credit course in English or Math (grade A, B, or C)
- Algebra II (grade A, B, or C)
- Advanced Placement exam score 3 or higher
- International Baccalaureate exam score 4 or higher
- 3.0 GPA in core courses required for NDUS admission
- Three fine arts courses (grades A, B, or C)

WORKFORCE READY (one of the three pathways)
To qualify for this pathway you must complete both parts below:
A. Program/credit requirement (one of these options):
- 4 credits of CTE with at least 2 credits in the same plan of study, OR
- 3 credits in the same world, indigenous, or sign language, OR
- 2 credits of teaching‑related coursework plus 2 credits of CTE
B. Assessment minimum:
- ACT composite of 24 (or equivalent NDA+), OR
- WorkKeys: score of 5 or higher on all three tests, OR
- SAT composite of 1180
C. Plus two or more additional indicators (examples):
- Complete a Career Ready Practices course
- Dual credit course (grade A, B, or C)
- Technical assessment / industry credential
- Workplace learning experience (40 hours)
- Work‑based learning experience under Perkins V (40 hours)
- NDSA or NDA+ (reading/math) Level 3 or higher

MILITARY READY (one of the three pathways)
To qualify for this pathway you must complete both parts below:
A. Assessment / service requirement:
- ASVAB score of 50 or greater, OR
- ASVAB score of 31 or greater plus completion of Basic Training
B. Physical / PE requirement:
- Physically fit and successfully complete required PE courses (grades A, B, or C)
C. Plus one option from this list:
- Complete two or more additional indicators from the Post‑Secondary or Workforce lists, OR
- 2 credits of military coursework (per NDCC), OR
- 2 credits of JROTC, OR
- Complete Phase I of the Cadet Civil Air Patrol program

Quick teacher checklist for students aiming for the scholarship
- Make sure Essential Skills are on track (graduation, GPA ≥ 3.0, 4‑year plan, civics test, career ed/counseling, plus four additional indicators).
- Decide which two pathways the student will pursue and confirm they meet both the assessment and the additional indicators for each pathway.
- Verify and record indicators in the Choice Ready report (public schools) or submit the correct verification form (nonpublic or home education).
- Watch the calendar: application opens Jan 5, 2026 and submit well before June 5, 2026 to ensure fall disbursement.

If you want, I can turn this into a printable one‑page student checklist or a slide for a classroom presentation. Which would help you more?