Linda Olson Memorial Scholarship
The LeadMN scholarship program rewards emerging student leaders for their community service and their academic achievement. Linda Olson Memorial Scholarship winners serve their community in many ways like mentoring, volunteering, or organizing in their community.
This $500 scholarship is awarded in the fall and spring semesters. Applications for fall semester open on January 1st and close on April 1st at 11:59pm. Applications for spring semester open July 1st and close November 1 at 11:59pm.
Scholarship Qualifications
- You must be a current student at one of the 33 Minnesota State colleges and universities (students attending private colleges or the University of Minnesota system are ineligible)
- Have a cumulative grade point average (G.P.A.) of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
- Be an undergraduate or graduate student who demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to serving others
- PSEO students are ineligible
- LeadMN Governing Council Representatives and the LeadMN Cabinet are ineligible for this scholarship. LeadMN Governing Council Alternates are eligible.
Scholarship Requirements
- Complete and submit the online application.
- Write an essay (Must be 300-600 words) explaining your understanding of the meaning of leadership. In addition, please include examples from your personal experiences to support your view. Your examples could include, but are not limited to, your own experiences in leadership, examples of leaders who have made a difference in your life or people who have influenced your ideas of leadership, positively or negatively.
- Write an Essay (Must be 300-600 words) listing multiple leadership skills that you have. Give personal examples of how you have utilized each skill within your campus and community leadership.
- Write an essay (Must be 300-600 words) on what a college education means to you and how this scholarship will help in your leadership development.
- Submit one letter of recommendation from a community, campus or organization leader who can discuss your leadership skills (one letter should be from a peer)
- Submit a copy of your school unofficial transcript
- Submit a leadership resume/summary. This section helps us understand the ways you’ve taken initiative, supported others, and built leadership skills on campus, in your community, or at work