So, you’re hunting for scholarships and stumbled upon the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship? Smart move. This isn’t one of those tiny $500 awards that barely cover textbooks – we’re talking about serious money here. The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship offers $10,000 per semester, which means $20,000 for the academic year. That’s the kind of funding that can genuinely change your college experience.
Here’s the thing about the Engebretson Foundation – they’re pretty selective, but not in an impossible way. Founded in 2006 by the family of David J. Engebretson, this foundation carries forward his dream to “Always Give Back.” David was a South Dakota businessman who had a soft spot for helping kids succeed. The foundation continues that mission by supporting high-achieving students who need financial help to attend four-year colleges.
Actually, let me be upfront about something: the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is competitive. Really competitive. But if you meet their criteria and put together a solid application, you’ve got a real shot at securing this funding.
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Scholarship Overview
- Academic Level: High school seniors graduating from U.S. high schools
- Host Institution: Four-year colleges and universities in the United States
- Country: United States
- Target Recipients: Students demonstrating academic excellence, leadership ability, and financial need
- Award Amount: $10,000 per semester ($20,000 total for the academic year)
- Duration: One academic year (recipients may reapply yearly)
- Selection Process: Merit-based with need consideration
- Number of Awards: One scholarship awarded per year
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Engebretson Foundation Scholarship Coverage
The scholarship provides substantial financial support that can significantly reduce your college costs. Here’s what this award covers and why it matters for your education funding strategy.
- Tuition Support: $10,000 per semester directly toward tuition expenses
- Total Annual Value: $20,000 for the full academic year
- Payment Structure: Distributed in two equal installments per academic year
- Flexible Usage: Funds can be applied toward tuition, fees, and other educational costs
- No Renewal: This is a one-year award (though recipients may reapply yearly)
- Direct Payment: Typically sent directly to your chosen institution’s financial aid office
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Eligibility Criteria for Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Before you get too excited about that $20,000, let’s talk requirements. The Engebretson Foundation Scholarship doesn’t mess around – they want top-tier students who really need the help.
- Graduation Status: Must be a graduating senior from a United States high school
- College Plans: Plan to attend a four-year college or university (no community colleges or two-year programs)
- Financial Need: Demonstrate genuine need for financial assistance to attend college
- ACT Score: Minimum composite score of 28 or higher on the ACT exam
- SAT Alternative: At least 1240 on the SAT (if you didn’t take the ACT)
- GPA Requirement: Minimum 3.75 GPA or rank in the top 5% of your graduating class
- FAFSA Completion: Must have filed FAFSA and received your Student Aid Report with Student Aid Index
- Citizenship: U.S. citizenship or permanent residency (implied by high school requirement)
- Dual Enrollment: Students with dual enrollment credits while in high school remain eligible
Required Documents for Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
Getting your application materials together is crucial – and honestly, this is where a lot of students stumble. The foundation is pretty specific about what they want, so don’t wing it.
- Completed Application Form: Download from the official foundation website
- Teacher Recommendation Form: Must be completed by a teacher (not a counselor or coach)
- Official Transcripts: High school transcripts showing your GPA and class rank
- ACT or SAT Score Report: Official scores meeting the minimum requirements
- Student Aid Report: Your FAFSA results showing your Student Aid Index (SAI)
- Personal Statement: Essay explaining your goals, achievements, and financial needs
- Letters of Recommendation: Additional character references may strengthen your application
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How to Apply for the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
The application process for the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship is pretty straightforward, but timing matters. Here’s exactly what you need to do – and when you need to do it.
- Download Forms: Get the Application for Scholarship and Teacher Recommendation forms from engebretsonfoundation.org
- Complete FAFSA First: File your FAFSA and wait for your Student Aid Report before applying
- Gather Test Scores: Ensure your ACT (28+) or SAT (1240+) scores meet requirements.
- Request Transcripts: Get official transcripts showing your GPA and class rank
- Fill Out Application: Complete every section thoroughly – incomplete applications get tossed.
- Get Teacher Recommendation: Give your teacher plenty of time to complete their form.
- Email Everything: Send all materials to [email protected] with your name in the subject line.
- Double-Check Requirements: Review everything against their criteria before submitting
Application Deadline for Engebretson Foundation Scholarship
The application deadline is March 1st annually. All materials must be postmarked and arrive before March 1st in one envelope to be considered complete. This deadline is firm – they won’t accept late applications, and honestly, why would you risk it with $20,000 on the line?
Start working on your application in January at the latest. You’ll need time to get your FAFSA processed, request transcripts, and give your teacher enough notice for the recommendation form. Actually, let me rephrase that – start in December if you can. The FAFSA processing alone can take several weeks, and you don’t want to be scrambling at the last minute.
Tips for a Winning Application
Here’s what I’ve noticed from working with students who’ve won the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship: the foundation really values authenticity. They’re not looking for perfect robots – they want real students who’ve worked hard and need help achieving their dreams.
Your personal statement should tell your story. What challenges have you overcome? Why do you need the Engebretson Foundation Scholarship? What are your specific goals? Don’t just list achievements – explain how those experiences shaped you and prepared you for college success.
The teacher’s recommendation matters more than you might think. Choose a teacher who knows you well, not just someone who gave you an A. Give them context about the scholarship and why you’re applying. A thoughtful, detailed recommendation can set you apart from other applicants.
Make sure your academic record is rock-solid. With a 3.75 GPA minimum and an ACT score of 28+, you’re already in elite territory. But the foundation also looks at the rigor of your coursework, leadership activities, and community involvement.
Important Considerations
The Engebretson Foundation only notifies winners – so if you don’t hear back, that means you weren’t selected. Due to the number of applications received, the foundation will only notify the winning recipient. It’s not personal, and it doesn’t reflect your worth as a student. One scholarship is awarded each year, making this extremely competitive with hundreds of qualified applicants.
You don’t have to be Pell Grant eligible to qualify, which is actually pretty cool. The foundation has its own process for determining financial need, so don’t assume you won’t qualify if your family income is above Pell limits.
Students with dual enrollment credits can still apply, which addresses a common concern I hear. Taking college courses in high school shows academic ambition – it won’t hurt your chances.
Official Website
Ready to start your application? Head over to the Engebretson Foundation’s official website for the most current information and application forms.
The foundation updates its requirements and deadlines annually, so always check the official site before applying. Don’t rely on third-party scholarship databases that might have outdated information.
Apply Now by downloading the application forms and getting started on this potentially life-changing opportunity.
Also, check other scholarships in the USA: Scholarships in the USA
