John and Kathryn OBrien Scholarship

Name: John and Kathryn OBrien Scholarship

Award Amount: $500 per semester

Information and Eligibility:
The John and Kathryn OBrien Scholarship supports degree-seeking immigrants, children of immigrants, and undocumented students with financial need who attend one of Minnesota State’s two-year colleges. The scholarship is designed to make college more accessible for students who may have limited access to traditional state or federal financial aid resources. By offering support each semester, the scholarship helps students remain enrolled, progress toward graduation, and focus on their academic and personal goals.

Eligible students must be enrolled at a Minnesota State two-year college as undergraduate students, either full time or part time, and must meet documented financial need requirements. The scholarship is open to immigrants who were born outside the United States and to students whose parents were both born outside the United States. Undocumented students are welcome to apply, and preference is given to applicants who are actively pursuing a degree or certificate rather than taking individual courses without a clear program focus. Postsecondary Enrollment Options students are not eligible for this award.

Students are also expected to maintain a strong academic record. A minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale is required to qualify. The scholarship committee looks for students who are committed to their education, who clearly articulate their goals, and who can demonstrate why this financial support is essential to their continued success at a Minnesota State two-year college.

Application Requirements:

• Enrollment as an undergraduate student at a Minnesota State two-year college
• Full-time or part-time status with documented financial need
• Immigrant background or status as the child of immigrants, with both parents born outside the United States
• Minimum grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
• Completed online scholarship application through the sponsoring organization
• Essay response of three hundred to seven hundred fifty words on what a college education means to the student and how the scholarship will help
• Personal letter describing academic, career, and personal goals
• Separate written statement of financial need explaining why assistance is required
• One letter of recommendation from college staff
• Copy of an unofficial college transcript

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated financial need and limited access to other aid
• Strong academic performance and commitment to program completion
• Clear educational, career, and personal goals
• Compelling essay and personal statements that show motivation and resilience
• Evidence of progress toward a degree or certificate at a Minnesota State two-year college

Additional Details:

• Scholarship awards are five hundred dollars per semester for eligible recipients
• Undocumented students are encouraged to apply
• Preference is given to degree or certificate seeking students rather than non-degree students
• Postsecondary Enrollment Options students are not eligible for this scholarship

Deadline:
November

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