How do I pay for my education after high school? 
This is a great question!  There are many options.  One of the options that does not require you to pay money back is through scholarships.  Below you will find links to scholarship opportunities (both local and national) and search engines.  In addition, please check out the Minnesota Office of Higher Education pamphlet on Grants & Scholarships as it is an amazing resource for navigating what it all means.  

LOCAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

ATTENTION SOPHOMORES:  Have you ever considered joining the American Legion Auxiliary?  There is an American Auxiliary Juniors division – for daughters, granddaughters, and or sisters of anyone who has served or is serving in the military.  Membership for those under the age of 18 is $8 year for Unit 43 in Faribault.  Those students who are members for two or three consecutive years are eligible for even more scholarship opportunities!

ATTENTION JUNIORS AND SOPHOMORES: The Rotary of Faribault is sponsoring 4 students to attend leadership camp FREE OF CHARGE April 21-25, 2023! Find out more at www.campRYLA.org. To apply for a scholarship to attend this 2023 camp, please see Mr. Uphus or email Rebekah Ciesluk beckagirl6@yahoo.com with your name, year of school, and phone number.

ATTENTION JUNIORS & SENIORS: American Heart Association/American Heart Challenge Scholarship. Due date: May 31, 2023
Remember when we had the presentation to the entire school on December 1? Because Bethlehem Academy partnered with the American Heart Associtation, YOU are eligible to apply for the scholarship! You must be involved in our school’s American Heart Challenge program, a junior or senior, have a passion to make a difference in the health of your school community (and have a letter of rec from Ms. Donlon). 

ATTENTION JUNIORS: Minnesota Association of Township College Scholarship. Due date: June 1, 2023
Applicants must submit a 450-500 word essay on, “The role of townships in local government” along with a transcript, application and letter of recommendation. Five $2000 college scholarships will be awarded. Winners will be invited to attend the December 2023 MN Association of Townships meeting in St. Cloud, MN. 

SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS
P.E.O. Local Scholarship Due Date: April 12, 2023
P.E.O. Local Chapter AR sponsors a $1000 scholarship for local senior girls pursuing post-secondary education following graduation. The application form and essay is due to the counselor’s office or mailed to the P.E.O. contact by 3pm Wednesday, April 12. Click here for a copy of the application. ***PAPER COPIES OF APPLICATION CAN BE ACQUIRED IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE***

Exchange Club District Youth of the Year Award Due Date: April 15, 2023
Find application attached HERE summarizing your leadership, community service and other activities; also required is a 300 word essay on the theme, “Many people have someone whom they admire, whether a parent, sibling, friend, teacher, mentor, etc. Share a story about someone who has greatly impacted your own life and the lives of others. Reflect on the qualities and actions of this person and explain why they have impacted you and your future. Application and essay due April 15. **PAPER COPY OF THE APPLICATION CAN BE ACQUIRED IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE***

2023 Owatonna Lions Trades Oriented scholarship offering (Estimated 6 – 12 offerings of $1,000 – $2000) Due Date: April 15, 2023
The Owatonna Lions are once again honored to offer a trades-oriented education scholarship to current residents of Steele County. Applicants must be looking to attend an accredited institution for a trades-oriented education in the following fields:

• Skilled Commercial & Residential Construction Trades
• Skilled Energy & Industrial Trades
• Skilled Cosmetic Trades
• Skilled Technology Trades
• Skilled Medical Trades
• Skilled Logistical Trades

 ***PAPER COPIES OF APPLICATION CAN BE ACQUIRED IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE***

Faribault Sertoma Club 2023 Memorials Scholarships Due Date: April 28, 2023
The Faribault Sertoma Club is offering two (2) $1500 scholarships for post-secondary education to 2023 high school seniors. Scholarship recipients will best personify Sertoma’s motto, “Service to Mankind.” An application, essay, high school transcript, 2 letters of recommendation must be mailed to the Sertoma Club contact by April 28. Click here for a copy of the application. ***PAPER COPIES OF APPLICATION CAN BE ACQUIRED IN THE COUNSELING OFFICE***

STATE / NATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
Nitro Scholarship: (monthly deadline – available each month)
Complete the application – just name, grad year, college and university you are looking at and you are eligible for a monthly drawing of $2,000.  You don’t have to sign up for alerts to enter. Nothing else required.

Fostering Independence Higher Education Grants
If you have ever been in the foster care system in Minnesota, you are eligible for a grant to cover the cost of attending any eligible Minnesota public or private college and university that is participating in the program. More information can be found in the link. If foster status applies to you, please indicate that when completing your FAFSA and the application will be made accessible to you.

Raise Me (can start this scholarship in 9th grade)
Through highlighting and rewarding certain academic and extracurricular activities, [RaiseMe] “pays” students for their achievements. Available at the University of Minnesota colleges, Gustavus, Augsburg, etc. There are also colleges out-of-state. Check out the options and opportunities.

POST-SECONDARY SCHOOL RELATED SCHOLARSHIPS:
College of Saint Benedict/Saint John’s
Did you know that 95% of students who attend receive a scholarship?  Check out the alum scholarship as we have many staff here at BA who are alumni and who could help you qualify for the alum scholarship.  Check it out!

Grand Canyon University
Did you know that as a BA student you are eligible for additional scholarships to attend GCU?  

University of Minnesota, Duluth
Early admission – apply by October 31 – and receive a $500 early applicant scholarship! Check out their other scholarship information (including RaiseMe).

St. Thomas University Scholarship
All first-time, first-year students admitted to the University of St. Thomas are automatically considered for a scholarship, and 97% receive one. Students don’t stop getting scholarships once they get to St. Thomas either; there are plenty of opportunities for current students as well. Check out their scholarship page!

South Central College Scholarship
Many scholarships are available.  Check the entire list!  In addition, the South Central College Foundation annually awards over $500,000 in scholarships and the application for that money can be found here.

* Many private colleges offer scholarships that students are eligible for through an alum.  Please check and do not hesitate to reach out and ask if there is an alum here at BA or one that we can reach out to for the purpose of such scholarships.  

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH ENGINES:
Choose a search engine (a few are listed below) and create an account.  You can make it as specific as you want.  You will be inundated with options!  Be sure to spend some time looking through them and keep track of your scholarship applications (and awards) in Naviance.    

SCHOLARSHIP SEARCH ENGINES:
Choose a search engine (a few are listed below) and create an account.  You can make it as specific as you want.  You will be inundated with options!  Be sure to spend some time looking through them and keep track of your scholarship applications (and awards) in Naviance.  

CareerOnestop Scholarship Finder
Chegg Scholarship Engine
CollegeBaord Search
FastWeb 
Going Merry Scholarships
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
Scholarships.com
Scholarship America
Scholarships & Financial Aid for Minority Students
Student Scholarships (link of examples of scholarships found here often provided in Schoology)
UNCF Scholarships