Minnesota Scholarship Increases to $28,000 for STEM Students

Students passionate about science and math just got a financial boost that could change their futures.

The Marshall H. and Nellie Alworth Memorial Fund announced it's increasing its scholarship awards to $28,000 for high school seniors in a 10-county region of northeastern Minnesota. That's $4,000 more than previous years, helping students keep pace with rising college costs.

Applications open November 1 for students planning to pursue bachelor's degrees in math, science, engineering, or medical fields. Winners receive $3,500 twice a year for four years while they complete their degrees.

The scholarship targets students with strong academic records and financial need. Finance Chair Kurt Brooks, himself a 1973 Alworth scholar, said the increase directly addresses the reality that college is more expensive than ever.

Since 1949, the fund has supported thousands of students entering STEM fields. The total investment over 77 years exceeds $60 million, creating generations of doctors, engineers, scientists, and mathematicians across Minnesota.

The organization is also modernizing for today's students. New Executive Director Breanne Tepler joined last summer and is leading technology updates to streamline the application process over the next two years.

The Ripple Effect

Every scholarship doesn't just help one student. It creates a pipeline of professionals who return to their communities as healthcare providers, researchers, and innovators. In rural northeastern Minnesota, where access to these careers can be limited by cost, the Alworth Fund removes barriers that might otherwise keep talented students from reaching their potential.

Brooks is stepping up as board president as longtime leader Marieta Johnson retires. The leadership transition comes at a moment of growth for the fund, with improved marketing, strategic planning, and a commitment to preserving the organization's history while embracing modern tools.

For students dreaming of lab coats or engineering blueprints, the message is clear: financial need doesn't have to stand between you and your goals.