John and Kathryn OBrien Scholarship

Name: John and Kathryn OBrien Scholarship

Award Amount:

• $500 awarded each semester.

Overview:

The John and Kathryn OBrien Scholarship supports degree-seeking immigrants, children of immigrants, and undocumented students with demonstrated need attending one of Minnesota State’s two-year colleges. This scholarship aims to make higher education more accessible to students who may have limited access to state and federal financial aid.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Be an undergraduate student enrolled in any Minnesota State two-year college.
• Be a full- or part-time student with documented financial need.
• Be an immigrant (born outside the U.S.) or the child of immigrants (both parents born outside the U.S.).
• Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
• Note:
  • Undocumented individuals are welcome to apply.
  • Preference will be given to applicants who are actively pursuing a degree or certificate.
  • Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) students are ineligible.

Application Process:

• Complete and submit the online application by:
  • November 1 at 11:59 PM for the spring semester.
  • April 1 at 11:59 PM for the fall semester.
• Write a response to the following essay question (between 300 and 750 words in length):
  

  “Please tell us what a college education means to you and how this scholarship will help you succeed.”

• Submit a personal letter describing your:
  • Academic goals.
  • Career goals.
  • Personal goals.
• Submit a separate statement of financial need explaining why you need this scholarship.
• Submit one letter of recommendation from college staff. (A Letter of Recommendation can be submitted by your recommender later. Share the Letter of Recommendation Submission Form with them.)
• Submit a copy of your college unofficial transcript.

Deadlines:

• Applications open on July 1 and close on November 1 at 11:59 PM for the spring semester.
• Applications open on January 1 and close on April 1 at 11:59 PM for the fall semester.

Additional Information:

• For detailed guidelines, application instructions, and further assistance, visit the official scholarship page on the LeadMN website or contact the LeadMN office.

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