top of page

Owatonna Foundation Scholarships

The Owatonna Foundation proudly supports students in their pursuit of earning a college
degree. Since 1995, the Owatonna Foundation has been awarding scholarships to
graduating high school seniors and then in 1997 to adults returning to college, as well.
Owatonna Foundation has awarded $782,600 to 526 students and June A and Melanie Nelson has awarded $58, 500. 


Currently, the Owatonna Foundation offers three scholarships: Traditional, Non-Traditional, and the late June A. and Melanie Nelson. Criteria, deadlines, and applications are found below.


The Owatonna Foundation also financially supports the Owatonna Opportunity Scholarship – a partnership between Owatonna Public Schools, Owatonna Chamber of Commerce, United Way, and Riverland Community College – which began in the Fall of 2025. Students that meet the program criteria are eligible to earn a degree from Riverland Community College tuition free. Students apply for this scholarship through the high school.


Additionally, the Owatonna Foundation supports one Workforce Development Scholarship per year for a Riverland Community College Student earning a degree in a high demand field. This scholarship is matched dollar-for-dollar by the State of Minnesota. Students apply for this scholarship through Riverland Community College.

For multiple languages, click here to go to Google Translate

Traditional
Scholarship Criteria

Apply Today!

  •  Scholarship awards up to $3,000

  • Prepare for a technical career that doesn’t require a four-year degree (typically recipients attend a technical or community college as they work towards their technical career goals)

  • Graduating with the current high school class of Owatonna High School, Owatonna Area Learning Center, Owatonna Christian School, Choice Technical Academy, or Pillsbury College Prep

  •  Parent or guardian of applicant a resident of Steele County

Scholarship Deadline:  April 15

Get Application
Non-Traditional
Scholarship Criteria

Apply Today!

  • Scholarship awards range up to $3,000

  • Prepare for a technical career that doesn’t require a four-year degree (typically recipients attend a technical or community college as they work towards their technical career goals)

  • An Owatonna mailing address or have worked at an Owatonna business for at least the past two years

  • High school graduate or possess a GED

  • Graduated prior to the current high school class

Scholarship Deadline:  June 25 and October 25

Get Application
June A. and Melanie Nelson
Scholarship Criteria

Sponsored by a generous gift from the late June A. and Melanie Nelson

  • ​​Scholarship award $3,000

  • Pursue a career-specific field of study

  • Applicant must be a woman and have an Owatonna mailing address or have worked at an Owatonna business for at least the past two years

Scholarship Deadline:  June 25 and October 25

Get Application
June B Scholarship_edited.jpg

How to Submit Your Scholarship

Send it via email to:  info@owatonnafoundation.org

Or drop off or mail to: Owatonna Foundation 108 West Park Square Owatonna, MN 55060

If you have questions, please email or call 507-455-2995​

Graduation Certificates

2026 Scholarship Recipients

Technical/ Community College Scholarships for High School Seniors.

  • Sophia Cook, Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester, Aviation

  • Teagan Burton, Hawkeye Community College, Waterloo, Iowa, Physical Therapy Assistant

  • Adelynn Johnson, Rochester Community and Technical College, Rochester, Nursing

 

Technical Community College Scholarship for Returning Students

  • Ava Hinchley, North Iowa Area Community College, Mason City, IA, Dog Grooming,

  • Clara Thurnau, Riverland Community College, Austin, MN, Radiography
     

June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarship for Women

  • Georgia Schrom, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA,Speech Language Pathology

  • Angie Bierlen, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, Mpls, MN, Parent and Family Education License with Master’s Degree

Graduation Certificates

2025 Scholarship Recipients

Traditional Scholarships

  • Melanie Andrist - Rochester Community and Technical College -Nursing

  • Charles Dulas -  Riverland Community College - Natural Resources/DNR

  • Georgia Sammon  - Riverland Community College - Criminology

  • Mercedes Zavala - Nova Academy of Cosmetology - Esthiology

 

Non-Traditional Scholarships

  • Brooke O’Neill - Riverland Community College - Radiography

  • Clara Thurnau -  Riverland Community College - Radiography

  • Onelia Velazquez - Riverland Community College - Art Teacher

  • Diana Foster  - South Central College - Nursing

  • Megan Rysavy -  South Central College - Dental Assistant

  • Amelia Cook - Rochester Technical College - Nursing

  • Jessica Bremseth - Riverland Community College - Massage Therapy
     

June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarship

  • Savannah Shermo - U of MN – Twin Cities - Animal Science/Pre-Vet

  • Julia Christenson - U of MN – Twin Cities - Data Science Engineering

  • Diana Foster - South Central College - Nursing

  • Ariana Shornock - University of Northern Iowa - Accounting

bottom of page