Scholarships - GFW Schools

Students – Evening of Excellence is Monday, May 23rd, 2022.

Scholarships are listed BELOW by due date.

Remember to start early –

as some scholarships require financial information, letters of recommendation, or for you to complete the FAFSA.

Watch for deadlines! Does it need to be mailed? Do you need a transcript?

Paper scholarships that are not completed online should be typed if at all possible and neatly printed in black ink where appropriate. On paper applications, print “see attached” on the lines and attach a typed paper to answer the questions.

Do you need a Letter of Recommendation?
When asking someone to write you a letter of recommendation, give the writer PLENTY of time to do your letter justice. Please don’t ask a teacher to write a letter of recommendation without giving them ample time to write it. You may want to fill out a Student Bio to help the writer –

Download Student Bio for Letters of Recommendation PDF

Also: Look at the websites listed below to search for scholarships.

It pays to apply for scholarships.

In the year of 2021, the 33 Seniors and 15 Alumni who were awarded scholarships, received 161 scholarships for a grand total of over $236,635! A little effort goes a long way.

You can visit Jo in the Office for additional information and to ask any questions.

All scholarships should be read carefully and follow the instructions completely. They are listed by due date and post number.

If a scholarship application is to be turned into the GFW office and it is a non school day – it will be accepted the following school day until 3:00.

*Some scholarships apply to Alumni.

This spreadsheet may help you to quickly identify which scholarships you want to apply for and to identify which scholarships you have already viewed and which are new.

Open the Google Docs Spreadsheet

Scholarships By Month

Please see Mrs. Goblish for FFA Scholarship information.

DECEMBER

12/15/2021 (#106) Burger King Foundation NATIONAL – Integrity, high standards, entrepreneurial spirit, good citizenship and education were the values that defined BURGER KING® brand co-founder James W. McLamore. It was those values that helped realize a dream and it is those same values that are the core of the BURGER KING® Foundation, which will continue to build on his legacy and his commitment to education.

JANUARY

1/3/22 (#103) U of M, Waseca; Southern School of Agriculture Alumni SPECIFIC CRITERIA – Your Parent, Grandparent, or Great Grandparent must be an alumni of Southern School of Agriculture or U of M Waseca: Each year two $500.00 scholarships are awarded to a child, grandchild or great grandchild of an alumnus from Southern School of Agriculture or U of M Waseca, with a GPA of 3.0 and above, and who is pursuing a 2- or 4-year post secondary degree. The scholarship is available to any current high school senior or college freshman.
1/7/22 (#112) McLeod Co. Corn & Soybean Growers Eligibility is that you must be a member or child of member of McLeod County corn and soybean growers associations. BUT….students of at least 16 years old up to 23, can become a student member of the MN corn growers association or the MN soybean growers association for a mere $20. Through our county board or on either state boards website. This would make the student eligible for the scholarship.
1/10/22 (#111) Kiwanis GFW STUDENTS – $700 scholarship available; requires a letter of recommendation from a school staff memeber, such as a teacher or coach. BE SURE TO GIVE THE WRITER OF YOUR LETTER PLENTY OF TIME TO WRITE THIS LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION addressing your character, attitude and level of responsibility.

FEBRUARY

2/1/2022 (#113) Citizens Bank REGIONAL – Citizens Bank is offering 7 scholarships to area students. You must have an active checking account at Citizens, and watch 2 videos and answer questions regarding the videos before the scholarship link application will be sent to you in February.
2/15/2022 (#115) Willow Schuckert Hope and Opportunity LOCAL – This very special scholarship is only for students who have received special education services or who have a documented learning disability. Student must currently attend GFW, Sibley East, or New Ulm Public schools. The following must be postmarked no later than February 15th, 2022: A brief introduction letter including name, school currently attending, potential future study AND the reason why you want to peruse that field; 2 letters of reference in sealed envelopes with one of them being from a teacher, paraprofessional, or other staff member. The above are to be mailed to: Willow Schuckert Hope and Opportunity Scholarship, P O Box 278, Winthrop, MN 55396.
2/15/2022 (#116) Mediacom World Class Scholars Please read application materials! Selection of recipients is based on: Academic Achievement: demonstrated by high school grade point average information (GPA) of at least 3.0. Leadership: based on self-reliance, initiative, problem-solving and creative ability in school and out, as reflected in the applicant’s personal essay
2/15/2022 (#109) New Auburn Fire District Scholarship SPECIFIC CRITERIA – Must be the child of a resident of New Auburn Fire District of a dependent of a New Auburn Fire & Rescue current or previous member.

MARCH

3/1/2022 (#117) Lafayette Lions LOCAL – Must live in their service area – see map attached to application. Fillable .pdf
3/1/2022 (#118) AgCountry RENVILLE COUNTY – Applicants must be from an actively farming or ranching family OR must be planning to pursue a career in farming or some other aspect of agriculture such as agricultural extension, agricultural education, soil conservation, farm and ranch management, agricultural finance, veterinary medicine or agribusiness.
3/31/2022 (#114) SEIU Local 284 If you have a parent who is a member of SEIU 284 (which is the Union the GFW Classified employees belong to) – you are eligible.
Six $500 Scholarships are drawn at the April Executive Board Meeting. Scholarships are open to Local 284 members, their children, and grandchildren for which they are the legal guardian. There is no age limit, and there are no restrictions on the type of school the scholarship may be used for. If both parents are members, you can enter two times. In families where there is more than one child, each child gets an entry. Winners must submit a copy of their tuition payment to collect the scholarship. Scholarship must be used within a twelve-month period. If a Scholarship is unused by the time of the next Scholarship drawing, the unused Scholarship(s) will be drawn as additional Scholarships.

APRIL

4/7/2022 (#108) Sam’s Fund GFW STUDENTS – The Samantha Chase Schaehrer Scholarship Fund (Sam’s Fund) was established in memory of, and to create a legacy for, Samantha, who passed away at 28 months old due to a condition called Short Bowel Syndrome. The purpose of the scholarship is to assist students graduating from Gibbon Fairfax Winthrop (GFW) High School who demonstrate financial need pursue higher education. This scholarship is designed for those who are truly committed to attend post secondary education upon graduation from high school. Post secondary education can include technical or trade school, college, or university. To be eligible for Sam’s Fund Scholarship you must be a current student at GFW High School, determined to attend post secondary education, and demonstrate financial need. The success of each scholarship recipient is extremely important to the funders of the scholarship. The founder of the scholarship will anticipate having an annual update during your post secondary education.
4/8/2022 (#110) LuAnn Alexander Memorial Scholarship GFW STUDENTS – Two GFW seniors planning to continue their education after high school will each be awarded a $1000 scholarship in LuAnn’s memory. The scholarship committee is looking to award this scholarship to someone who is known for putting the needs of others ahead of their own. Your response to this is weighted as the most important part of your application.

JUNE

6/1/2022 (#119 AgCountry (for college students in Ag) Must have completed 69 credits in college studying an agribusiness, business, or related field of study; and plan on working in production agricultural lending or related agricultural services.

LOOK FOR YOUR OWN SCHOLARSHIPS ON THESE
Additional Scholarship Websites
(for Juniors & College students too!)

Parents – A Google Docs Spreadsheet has been shared with all Juniors and Seniors. Ask your students for more information about this spreadsheet. If you have a Google account and would like this Google Sheet shared with you, please Email Jo and it will be shared with you. Everything listed on this spreadsheet is also listed above – either as a link to the foundation’s website, or as a downloadable pdf document to print. All scholarships are listed by the due date.

Volunteer Opportunities

Many scholarship applications will ask what you do for your community. If you feel you need more volunteer service – check this out.
Looking for volunteer opportunities?