John and Kathryn O’Brien Scholarship
John and Kathryn O’Brien believe that America has always relied on and will continue to benefit from the talents, hard work, and creativity of immigrants from all backgrounds. Like America, our Minnesota State colleges thrive when educational opportunities are accessible to immigrant students who face financial barriers, including those who do not qualify for state and federal aid. This scholarship is available to degree-seeking immigrants, children of immigrants, and students who lack access to federal financial aid, including those without permanent legal status, attending one of Minnesota State’s two-year colleges.
This scholarship awards $500 each semester. Applications for fall semester open July 1st and close November 1st at 11:59pm. Applications for spring semester open on January 1st and close April 1st at 11:59pm.
Scholarship Qualifications
- Be an undergraduate student enrolled in any Minnesota State two-year college
- Be a full- or part-time student with documented financial need
- Be an immigrant (born outside the U.S.) or the child of immigrants (both parents born outside the U.S.)
- Have a grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale
- Note that:
- Students who are ineligible for federal financial aid, including those without permanent legal status, are encouraged to apply.
- Preference will be given to applicants who are actively pursuing a degree/certificate
- PSEO students are ineligible
Scholarship Requirements
- Complete and submit the online application by November 1 at 11:59 PM for spring semester and by April 1 at 11:59 PM for fall semester
- Write a response to the following essay question (between 300 and 750 words in length): “Please tell us what a college education means to you and how this scholarship will help you succeed”
- Please submit a personal essay describing your academic, career, and personal goals. Each goal should be one to two paragraphs with clear distinction between goals. Please do not write out as a bulleted list, but as a paragraph-style essay.
- In your own words, describe how this scholarship will support you in your educational journey. This can be in reference to your financial need, academic supports, time to focus on studies, etc. Please do not write out as a bulleted list, but as a paragraph-style essay.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from college staff. A Letter of Recommendation can be submitted by your recommender later. Share the Letter of Recommendation Submission Form with them
- Submit a copy of your college unofficial transcript