Owatonna Foundation Scholarship Announcement July 2026

The Owatonna Foundation recently awarded two Technical/Community College Scholarships for Returning Students and two June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarships for Women.

Since 1995, the Owatonna Foundation has awarded 526 scholarships, totaling $782,600 for individuals preparing for technical careers. Since 2015, $58,500 has been awarded from a generous gift from the late June A. and Melanie Nelson to assist women in furthering their education.

Technical Community College Scholarship for Returning Students

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

$2,000, parents Shawn and Molly Hinchley

● Clara Thurnau, Riverland Community College, Austin, MN, Radiography, $2,000, parents Kari and Trenton Thurnau

June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarship for Women

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

$3,000, parents Felicia and Luke Schrom

● Angie Bierlen, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities Campus, Mpls, MN, Parent and Family Education License with Master’s Degree, $3,000

Ava Hinchley,

Clara Thurnau,

Georgia Schrom

Angie Bierlen,

The next scholarship deadline for both the Technical/Community College Scholarship for Returning Students and the June A. and Melanie Nelson Scholarship is October 25, 2026. All applications are available at www.owatonnafoundation.org or at the Owatonna Foundation Office (108 West Park Square, Owatonna). Questions may be directed to the Owatonna Foundation by calling 507-455-2995.