Student Scholarships for Twin Cities Youth
September 4, 2024, Katie Huynh
Are you a Twin Cities youth looking to take the next big step in your educational journey? We are excited to share three student scholarship opportunities just for you! Whether you’re preparing to graduate high school or continuing your college education, these scholarships are more than just financial support—they’re an investment in your potential to make an impact in your community and beyond.
If you’re passionate about technology, exploring trade skills, or aiming for a degree in a specialized field, these opportunities are designed to help you ignite your potential. Check out our list of available student scholarships below…
Deloitte Youth Equity & Empowerment Scholarship
Application Period: September 9, 2024 – March 3, 2025
APPLY NOW
This scholarship is $300,000 total in 60 scholarships nationally. Big Brothers Big Sisters Twin Cities is responsible for the selection and distribution of 4 scholarships for $5,000 each.
Eligibility for this scholarship is detailed below:
- Be a high school Junior/Senior or a current post-secondary student
- Interested in pursuing an education related to the following areas of study:
Accounting Economics Analytics Engineering Computer Engineering Finance Computer Science Information Systems Data Science Mathematics - Enrolled in the Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring program
Federated Challenge Scholarship
Application period: November 1st-30th AND February 1st-28th
This scholarship provides anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 a year, meaning the amount will be disbursed over the course of 2 semesters. The collective maximum for this scholarship is $10,000. The Federated Challenge scholarship is available for Littles/Alumni who have been matched for 18 months or longer and are looking to attend a two-year or less postsecondary Minnesota institution. Applications generally open in February, and recipients are announced by June.
Eligibility for this scholarship is detailed below:
- Be a current or past Little Brother or Little Sister or High School Big Brother or Big Sister for a minimum period of 18 months prior to the application deadline date
- Have been matched through one of the Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status
- Have attained a high school diploma or GED (or will have graduated prior to the fall term)
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll part-time or full-time in a non-four-year program, including Trade school, Technical or community college
- Attend an accredited MN post-secondary apprenticeship, certificate, or associate’s degree
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
- Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note this scholarship is not based on financial need, so if you do not qualify for free or reduced lunch, you are still eligible to apply for this scholarship if you meet all other criteria.
Chris D’ Amico Scholarship
Application period: February 1st – February 28th, 2025
Established in memory of Big Sister Chris D’ Amico in 1998, with funds donated by fellow Bigs and family members, this scholarship has helped ease the burden of college tuition for many Littles in the last 18 years. Six recipients will each receive a scholarship of $2,000.
Eligibility for this scholarship is detailed below:
- Be a current or past Little Brother or Little Sister or High School Big Brother or Big Sister for a minimum period of 18 months prior to the application deadline date
- Have been matched through one of the Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status
- Have attained a high school diploma or GED (or will have graduated prior to the fall term)
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll part-time or full-time in any program, including Trade school, Technical or community college, four-year college and two-year program.
- Attend an accredited Minnesota post-secondary school
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
- Have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Please note this scholarship is not based on financial need, so if you do not qualify for free or reduced lunch, you are still eligible to apply for this scholarship if you meet all other criteria.
Don’t let these opportunities pass you by! Our College and Future Readiness team is here to support you every step of the way. If you have any questions or need help with your application, feel free to drop by our office, 3110 Washington Ave N, Minneapolis, MN 55411, during our open hours:
- Tuesday, October 22, 2024 | 6:00 – 8:00 pm
- Saturday, November 16, 2024 | 11:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Wednesday, December 4, 2024 | 6:00 – 7:00 pm
Now, you might be wondering, “What exactly do I need to apply?” Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. Here are helpful FAQs that break down everything you need to know to prepare a strong scholarship application.
What is a scholarship?
Scholarships are awards granted to students based on various criteria such as academic merit, financial need, extracurricular achievements, or specific talents. They serve as financial aids that help cover the costs of education, including tuition, books, and living expenses.
How do I get a scholarship?
Attaining a scholarship often involves demonstrating outstanding performance in academics or other areas, submitting compelling essays or personal statements, providing letters of recommendation, and sometimes participating in interviews. Scholarships not only alleviate financial burdens but also recognize and reward students for their hard work, dedication, and potential to contribute to their communities and fields of study.
What do I need right now to prepare for a scholarship application?
To best prepare for a scholarship application, compiling a list of required documents will showcase your achievements, qualifications, and potential. Here are the common elements included in a scholarship application to be best prepared:
Required:
- Transcripts: Official records of your academic performance, including grades and courses taken, to demonstrate your commitment to academic excellence.
- Letters of Recommendation: These are letters written by teachers, mentors, or employers who can attest to your skills, character, and potential. They provide validation of your abilities and achievements. TWO MINIMUM.
- Financial Need Documentation: If applicable, documents demonstrating your financial situation, such as tax returns or a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form.
- Personal Statement or Essay (depending on scholarship requirements): A well-written essay or personal statement that explains your goals, aspirations, and why you deserve the scholarship. This is an opportunity to showcase your personality and passion. Each essay prompt requires a minimum of 500 words each.
Optional – recommendations for a stronger application:
- Resume or Curriculum Vitae (CV): A concise summary of your educational background, work experience, volunteer activities, skills, and achievements.
- Standardized Test Scores: Scores from tests like the SAT or ACT, if required by the scholarship provider.
- Portfolio of Work: For scholarships in creative fields or those requiring specific skills (e.g., art, writing, research), you may include samples of your work or a portfolio showcasing your projects and achievements.
Organizing and presenting these components in a clear, professional manner can significantly enhance your chances of standing out and receiving the scholarship you’re applying for.
Be sure to also visit our Teen Resources website filled with more resources specific to teens and get in touch with our Big Futures team for any questions.
