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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.
Over $764,000 has been awarded to 505 students.


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.

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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

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

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