- North St. Paul-Maplewood Oakdale
- Co-Action Scholarships
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2023 Local Scholarship Book
Co-Action Academic Resources
A letter to our community,
Local business, community, and educational leaders established Co-Action Academic Resources with the goal of providing financial assistance to our youth and adult learners in support of helping them achieve post-secondary aspirations. Scholarships have been developed and are coordinated for residents and the workforce of the Maplewood, North St. Paul, and Oakdale areas.
Co-Action is here to streamline the process of administering, creating, and streamlining post-secondary scholarships. Both for those looking to receive a scholarship and for those looking to donate dollars to give one. In addition, working to build a Co-Action Scholarship Fund that will provide scholarships today and well into the future.
Investing in our youth and their post-secondary education has never been more important than now. We have never needed the help of the community more than today. As noted, we can create and distribute a scholarship for you or your business with a mere phone call. A really easy process to engage. Unlimited opportunities exist to sponsor, match or create new scholarships, endowments, or memorials. With a simple phone call or email, our group can take the administrative work out of the process and make your goals a reality.
Co-Action is separate from, but supportive of, our schools. The scholarships solicited may be available to high school seniors who attend a public or private school within the ISD 622 boundaries. Returning adult learners who reside and/ or work within the stated boundaries are also eligible for some scholarships.
Again, a gift of money and/or talents to Co-Action Academic Resources can make a tremendous difference in the lives of the youth and adult learners in our community.
With your help, we can do more. Co-Action has now distributed hundreds of scholarships, and with continued financial support, we will continue to make our community a better place to live and work. Career goals realized make good economic sense for our community.
Thanks for your dedication to education and the community.
Marc L. Cove
2022-2023 Chair of Co-Action
Market President, First Resource Bank
mcove@myfrbank.com
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Letter to Seniors and Parents
Dear Seniors and Parents,
This Scholarship Book contains information about scholarships available from the Co-Action Academic Resources Scholarship Fund and local organizations throughout the area. These groups applaud your successes and appreciate your contributions to the community.
Use this website as a resource guide listing most of the local scholarships and helpful resources to assist you in your search for scholarship funding. Many groups have agreed to use the Co-Action application packet. However, some scholarships require you to use a specific application form for their programs. Application forms for those scholarships are available in your school’s guidance office and on your school’s website.
You may apply for multiple scholarships by using the checklist in the Co-Action application packet. Carefully read the selection criteria for the scholarships that interest you because the selection is based entirely upon the criteria that have been established by the donor(s).
If the scholarship program has specific information required, such as recommendations, essays, personal statements, or other special information, or has other deadlines, it will be noted in the scholarship description. Students receiving “full-ride” scholarships are not eligible for these awards.
A committee will meet to determine who will receive scholarships and awards. All Co-Action scholarships and awards will be announced in May. Scholarship winners will receive letters indicating the exact procedure they must follow to claim their award.
Applications and all other information should be completed on your computer whenever possible, then printed out and neatly organized for the selection committee. If completed by hand, please type or print neatly with black ink (no pencil). Since your packet needs to be duplicated for the committee, any forms that are not legible after duplication will be returned.
Scholarships are to be used for tuition expenses during the 2023-2024 school year, with the requirement of collecting the scholarship by December 31, 2023. Co-Action has used every precaution to verify the accuracy and timeliness of the scholarship information provided.
The Co-Action Application packet must be completed on or before Thursday, February 23, 2023, by 12 p.m.
NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE ACCEPTED
Best of Luck
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Scholarship application packet
2023 Co-Action scholarship application form
The updated scholarship application form is a Google form with a submit button at the bottom.
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Co-Action - All area high school students eligible
Co-Action Academic Resources Scholarship Fund Scholarships
The Co-Action Academic Resources Scholarship Fund is awarding a minimum of two $1,000 scholarships to persons who live, learn or work within the communities we serve.
Two scholarships: $1,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• B average or above
• Community and/or School Involvement
• Related experiences to your field of study (work or volunteer)
• Planning to attend a two- or four-year accredited post-secondary institution
First Resource Bank Scholarship
The First Resource Bank Scholarship is geared towards both high school seniors and post-high school graduates who wish to further their education at a two- or four-year college.
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• Must be a high school senior in good standing or have already received their high school diploma or general equivalence diploma (GED)
• Priority is given to current students who have a GPA in the range of 2.5 – 3.5
• School/Community involvement
• Priority will be given to those employed in a small business in the community
Oak Meadows Senior Living Scholarship
Oak Meadows Independent and Assisted Senior Living is owned and operated by Family Resources Development, Inc., a not-for-profit organization affiliated with the Minnesota Conference of the United Church of Christ. Our mission is to provide a dignified living environment that embodies God’s love for all and is dedicated to the well-being of our tenants, their families, and staff. This scholarship is offered in partnership with the Co-Action Scholarship Fund.
One scholarship: $500
Selection Criteria:
• Enrollment in a health care or human services program as a home health aide or nurse
• Enrollment in a culinary program
• Scholarship is open to high school graduates and returning adults
Platinum Bank Scholarship
The Platinum Bank Scholarship is geared toward both high school seniors and post-high school graduates who wish to further their education at a two- or four-year college.
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• Must be a high school senior in good standing or have already received their high school diploma or general equivalence diploma (GED)
• Priority is given to current students who have a GPA in the range of 2.5 – 3.5
• School/Community involvement
• Priority will be given to those employed in a community small business -
Co-Action - Hill-Murray, North & Tartan students eligible
Allie Mazur Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Allie, friends and family are providing an annual scholarship to a high school graduating senior who plans to attend a two- or four-year college or technical school.
One scholarship: $2,000
Selection Criteria:
• Hill-Murray School, North High School or Tartan High School graduating senior
• Pursue a career in the visual fine arts, in the fields of graphic arts, photography, fashion design or merchandising, interior design, animation, sculpture, illustration, multimedia, or related field -
Co-Action - Residency requirement
Alerus Financial Scholarship
Alerus Financial believes the foundation of our future is built with our youth. Alerus Financial has donated funds to provide a scholarship for a high school graduating senior who is planning to attend a two- or four-year college.
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• Good academic standing
• School or community involvement
• Resident of Oakdale, North St. Paul, Maplewood, or Lake Elmo
Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce Scholarship
The Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce has donated funds to provide scholarships for high school seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year college or technical school.
Four scholarships: $1,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• Three $1,000 scholarships for graduating seniors who attend Tartan or North High Schools
• One $1,000 scholarship for a graduating senior who is an Oakdale resident and/or is affiliated with the Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce
• Must reside within the ISD 622 boundaries
• Continued enrollment in post-secondary school
• School and community involvement
• Work experience
Herb Lohse Memorial Scholarship
The Oakdale Area Chamber of Commerce and Co-Action Resources have partnered to honor Herb Lohse, a co-founding member of Co-Action Academic Resources who was passionate about students pursuing tech and trade careers. A scholarship will be awarded to a high school senior who plans to attend a two-year technical school or building trades program. Herb taught and worked in District 622 for over 43 years. After he retired from teaching, he became the district's Director of Vocational Education and Career and Technical Education. He spent his summers working with kids in the federal summer work program and Tree Trust.
One scholarship: $500
Selection Criteria:
• Tartan or North High School graduating senior
• Enrolled in a technical or trade school program in Minnesota
• Must reside within the ISD 622 boundaries
• School and community involvement
• Work experience -
Co-Action - North & Tartan students eligible
Hal and Marion Norgard Memorial Scholarship
Hal and Marion Norgard were lifelong residents of North St. Paul, and both devoted many years of service to the community. Their passion and devotion to the community provided the necessary mentorship that is so desperately needed to inspire all walks of life in our community. The Co-Action Scholarship Fund provides two $1,000 scholarships, one for a North graduate and one for a Tartan graduate, to provide the opportunity for the graduate to be contributing citizens through his or her continued academic success.
Two scholarships: $1,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• North or Tartan senior
• Top 10% of their graduation class
• Contributions to the community
• Financial need may be a consideration -
Co-Action - North High students eligible
North High Drama Scholarship
North High Drama Booster Club is honored to award two $400 scholarships. We feel it is important to support our kids when they are performing and as they go on to the next “act” in their lives.
Two scholarships: $400
Selection Criteria:
• North High graduating senior
• 3.0 GPA average or above
• Cast or crew for at least 3 North Drama productions
• School/Community involvement
• Attend a post-secondary institution in the Fall of 2023
Carl H. Lipke Vocal Music Scholarship
The Carl H. Lipke Vocal Music Scholarship, under the management of the 622 Education Foundation, will be awarded to a graduating North High senior, accepted into a 4-year college, majoring in vocal or music education. This one-time award is for up to $1,000.
One scholarship: Up to $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• North High senior
• Accepted into an accredited 4-year college
• Study vocal music or vocal music education
• Two letters of recommendation
• Essay: Maximum of 250-words as to “Why Music is Important in My Life”
• Vocal CD or DVD
• Personal Interview may be required at the discretion of the Choir Scholarship Committee
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet -
Co-Action - Tartan High students eligible
Larry Hartman Memorial Scholarship
Larry Hartman was the Principal at Tartan High School for twenty-four years. He dedicated much of his life to supporting students, teachers, parents, and programs in the Tartan community. Mr. Hartman had high expectations for all people associated with Tartan High School. Excellence should always be a goal.
Two scholarships: $1,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• A Tartan High School senior
• GPA of 3.0 or better
• Involvement in extra-curricular activities
• A strong attendance record
David Riggs Keep on Moving Scholarship
This scholarship is given in memory of David Riggs, a 2011 graduate of Tartan High School. David was set to start his junior year at the University of Minnesota – Duluth when he was killed by a texting driver. At Tartan, David was an active member of Relay for Life, High Schools Against Cancer, DECA, and the school hockey team. In honor of David and in an effort to help other hardworking young men and women go to college – something David very much wanted for himself – his family presents this scholarship in his name.
Two scholarships: $3,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• Tartan student planning to pursue a 2- or 4-year degree, preferably in business
• Must have at least a 2.5 GPA
• School and community involvement
• Essay: Even though there is a law on distracting driving, data shows there are still many crashes caused by distracted driving. How do you think we, as a society, could change the culture and how could you be part of that change? For more information, you can read Chapter 2 of One Split Second by VJ Dixit. Books are available at Tartan or visit the Shreya Dixit Memorial Foundation web page. -
Community scholarship programs
The following scholarship programs are offered by community organizations that are not affiliated with Co-Action. Co-Action lists these programs as a free service to you. Community Sponsored Scholarship information is subject to change. Co-Action is not liable for changes made by community-sponsored scholarship programs.
Some of the following programs use the Co-Action Scholarship Application packet. Many have special application processes, including the requirement of additional essays, and may have other deadlines. Read the requirements carefully and follow their directions. Note the residency or school attended requirements as indicated.
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Community scholarships - All area high school students eligible
American Legion North St. Paul Post #39
The American Legion North St. Paul Post #39 has donated funds to provide scholarships for high school seniors who plan to attend a two- or four-year college. Additional state and national scholarship information is available in your guidance office.
Scholarships: $500 maximum one-year award. The award will be sent directly to the institution.
Selection Criteria:
• Graduating senior of area high school
• Continued enrollment in college
• Extracurricular activities in school/community
• Two letters of recommendation
• Financial need
• Personal letter to the scholarship committee that must be signed by an American Legion Post Official
• Check with the Guidance Office or on the school website for an application
• Deadline: April 1, 2022
Maplewood-Oakdale Lions Club
The Maplewood-Oakdale Lions Club has donated funds to provide several scholarships for high school graduates who plan to attend a two or four-year college.
Up to four scholarships: $1,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• Continued enrollment in a post-secondary program
• Variety of factors considered
• Interview may be needed
• Separate application form for the scholarship is available in your guidance office or on the Maplewood Oakdale Lions Club website
• Deadline is May 2, 2023
North St. Paul, Maplewood, Oakdale Rotary Club
Three scholarships will be awarded to students planning on pursuing post-secondary education.
One $3,000 scholarship (per year for two years)
Named after two former Rotary members, Jack Hillstrom and William WoodworthThe Jack Conzemius Memorial Scholarship
One $3,000 scholarship (per year for two years)Two scholarships: $3,000 each (renewable for one year)
Selection Criteria:
• Student must be in the 2023 graduating class from North High, Tartan High, Hill-Murray, or Mounds
Park Academy and reside within the North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale District 622.
• Student has demonstrated service and leadership in the community.
• Student has demonstrated a positive attitude toward home, school, and community.
• Student must have an above-average grade point. (C average for The Jack Conzemius Memorial
Scholarship)
• Student has plans to attend college.
• Rotarian children are not eligible.
• Deadline: Application must be postmarked by March 31, 2023Application:
Students planning to apply for the scholarship need to submit:
1. Letter of intent to North St. Paul-Maplewood-Oakdale Rotary Club responding to the criteria listed
above.
2. Current resume.
3. Three (3) letters of recommendation. Two (2) letters should be from a school administrator, counselor, or
classroom teacher.
4. Transcript.
5. If a member, provide a letter in good standing from your school advisor for the National Honor Society
6. An interview will be requested for the top candidates in order to reach a final decision.
7. Attend a Rotary Breakfast meeting to accept the awarded scholarship.Mail your application materials to:
Bryan Kemnetz
c/o Lake Elmo Bank
11465 39 th St. N.
P.O. Box 857
Lake Elmo, MN 55042 -
Community scholarships - North High students eligible
Drea Alm Foundation Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is a memorial to North High graduate Drea Alm, who was active in her school and community. Community and school service weigh heavily in selecting the Drea Alm Foundation Memorial Scholarship.
One scholarship: The amount varies
Selection Criteria:
• Community service
• North High student
• Academic record
• Leadership
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Golben Scholarships
Dr. and Mrs. Golben established the Golben Scholarships in 1995 to encourage North High students to seek out their educational opportunities and in appreciation of the educational services their children received from the ISD 622 school district. This was the first scholarship endowment set up by an individual family to be awarded to North High students. Dr. Golben earned the very first doctorate degree awarded by the University of Kentucky in Chemistry. After his retirement from 3M, he taught at 916 Vocational Technical School.
Two scholarships: $3,500 - $4,000
Selection Criteria:
• North High School graduating senior
• Strong academic standing in high school
• Demonstration of leadership
• Commitment/responsibility in achieving goals
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Friends of Instrumental Music Scholarship
This scholarship is intended to honor a North High Band senior who demonstrates leadership and dedication to the North High Band Program.
One scholarship: $250
Selection Criteria:
• North High School graduating senior
• Essay: Highlight your band experience, expressing ways you were an asset to the program and how your participation in the band has impacted your life
• Include band activities on activities resume
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Kopp Family Foundation (North High)
The Kopp Family Foundation strives to encourage youth who exhibit positive characteristics through funding for high education. They believe that young people are important and worthy of recognition.
Two scholarships: 1 for $1,000 and 1 for $750
Selection Criteria:
• North High School graduating senior
• Strong academic standing in high school
• Demonstration of leadership skills
• Contribution to community/school
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Barbara Nelson Scholarship
With these scholarships, our family keeps our memories of a wonderful woman alive. Barbara Nelson was a fine kindergarten teacher as well as a loving mother and wife. We know that she would be most pleased to be helping students as they continue their educational goals.
Two scholarships: $1,500 each
Selection Criteria:
• North High graduating senior
• Participation in North High extracurricular activities
• Financial need may be a consideration
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Nancy Sundgaard Davidson Memorial Scholarship
In memory of one of its board members, the Ripples of Kindness Foundation is offering the Nancy Sundgaard Davidson Memorial Scholarship to a North High School student. Nancy grew up in North St. Paul, and she and her husband were both North High School alumni. First given the nickname “Sunny” when she was a child because of her sunny disposition and a smile that lit up her surroundings, she had a strong love for children and a passion for childhood cancer causes. Nancy battled cancer several times in her lifetime, including in childhood, and lost her battle with metastatic cancer in late 2017. In her memory, and because of the imprint she left on so many lives, we have established this memorial scholarship which will be awarded to students who have been impacted by cancer and are pursuing post-secondary training or education. All students who meet the criteria below will be considered. Nancy was particularly gifted at music and art, so consideration may be given to students who have spent time participating in some form of the arts or who are pursuing additional training and education in these areas.
One scholarship: $750
Selection Criteria:
• North High student
• Student has been accepted into a post-secondary education program and intends to attend in the Fall of the same year as his or her high school graduation.
NOTE: If the student does not enroll and attend a program for the 2021-22 school year, the ROKF scholarship committee will award the scholarship to another student applicant.
• Student has demonstrated volunteerism or service in his or her community
• Student has had any experience with cancer, either by having cancer or by experiencing it through a family member or friend
• Essay: Student must submit an essay of up to 1,000 words about how their experience with cancer has affected them
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Doris Sweet/Ann Fesenmaier Scholarship
The donors were long-time friends and school counselors at North High. In 1946, Doris was the first school counselor in District 622, where she worked for 43 years. Both women, believing that all students should have opportunities for continued education beyond high school, established this scholarship for students who have improved their academic performance during high school and overcome adversities.
Two scholarships: $2,500 each
Selection Criteria:
• North High School graduating senior
• Essay: Provide a personal essay stating how you have made a turn-around and improved your academic performance, especially in grades 11 and 12
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
North St. Paul Business and Professional Association Scholarship
The North St. Paul Business and Professional Association offers a scholarship to a North High senior who is planning on a secondary education program emphasizing a career in business. This scholarship rewards a student who has taken a minimum of two business classes and maintains business career goals.
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• North High School graduating senior
• Submit two letters of recommendation from an employer, teacher, or community member
• Successfully pass at least two business classes with a B average
• Essay: Submit an essay about “My career goals in business”
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Alexandra Waeffler Social Justice Scholarship
A memorial to Alexandra Waeffler, who believed that her quality education enabled her to work for social justice. She served elderly and low-income families as an attorney and volunteer until her passing in 2006. This scholarship honors a North High student who has worked to serve the underprivileged through employment or community service and who plans to use his or her post-secondary education to continue serving the underprivileged.
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• North High School graduating senior
• Has been accepted into a 4-year accredited college or community college
• Essay: Provide a personal essay explaining how you have helped the underprivileged (through community service or employment) and how you expect to use your post-secondary education to serve others in need
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet -
Community scholarships - Tartan High students eligible
Michael G. Hartmon Memorial Scholarship
In memory of Michael, the Hartmon family is providing an annual scholarship to a Tartan student whose grades, school activities, and demonstrated responsibility meet the scholarship requirements listed below. Preference is given to a diligent, “average” student with excellent attendance.
Two scholarships: $1,000 each
Selection Criteria:
• Tartan senior
• Cumulative GPA of a C average or above; prefer 2.5 or higher
• Absenteeism: Approximately 10 or fewer days during their entire high school enrollment
• Involved in extra-curricular activities
• Demonstrated good character
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Kopp Family Foundation (Tartan)
The Kopp Family Foundation has provided Tartan High School with the opportunity to award three $500 scholarships to be used at any post-secondary educational institution. The scholarship committee, in coordination with the Kopp Foundation, will select the recipients based on the criteria listed below.
Three scholarships: $500 each
Selection Criteria:
• Tartan Senior
• Financial need
• Strong academic record
• School/community involvement
• Outstanding leadership skills
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Lifetouch Presidential Scholarship
Lifetouch is the photography company that Tartan utilizes for all photography at Tartan High School, including the Tartan Torch Yearbook pictures, sports, dances, and graduations. In appreciation, the company would like to give back to Tartan and award a scholarship to a deserving student who displays academic talent and community involvement.
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• Must be a current Tartan senior to apply
• At least a 3.0 GPA
• Active in community and volunteerism
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet
Tartan Student Council Scholarship
The Tartan Student Council funds a college scholarship using the money they have raised. The scholarship will be awarded to a Tartan Senior senior who is committed to Student Council and community service. This student should demonstrate leadership throughout the school and in our community.
One scholarship: $500
Selection Criteria:
• Must be a current member of the Tartan Student Council and have been on the Student Council for 2+ years
• Must be a Tartan High School Senior
• Must be attending a college in the year following graduation
• Copy and paste this link for the scholarship application https://forms.gle/KCBg48WTW4dBQvQK6
Nicole Schaut Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is given in memory of Nicole Schaut, a Tartan High School student. Nikki fought health issues throughout her life with quiet determination. She strived to live her life without everyone realizing the magnitude of challenges she faced on a daily basis. She underwent numerous surgeries, hospital stays, radiation, and various other medical conditions that even her closest friends knew nothing about. During all of this, her schoolwork was still her major focus, and she never missed a beat with her class.
“Efforts and courage are not enough without purpose and direction” John F. Kennedy
One scholarship: $1,000
Selection Criteria:
• Tartan High School graduating senior
• Cumulative GPA of C (2.0) or above
• Student shows determination and dedication to their schoolwork
• Student has faced adversity during the course of their education
• Essay: “Why are you interested in this scholarship, and what makes you a good candidate for this honor?”
• Use the Co-Action Scholarship application packet