Alworth Scholarship Rises to $28,000 for Students

High school seniors in the 10-county northeastern Minnesota region can apply for the larger award before the January 15, 2027 deadline.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Scholarships

Wide view of a calm glacial lake in northeastern Minnesota with thin ice along the shore, a dark pine forest, and pale winter sunlight. — The Alworth Memorial Fund raised its Alworth Scholarship to $28,000 for northeastern Minnesota high school seniors, with applications due January 15, 2027. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

The Alworth Memorial Fund has added Sara Niemi to its Board of Directors and opened applications for the Alworth Scholarship, which now carries a $28,000 award, up from $24,000. High school seniors in a 10-county region of northeastern Minnesota can apply, with a deadline of January 15, 2027.

Why it matters

The higher award amount means more support for eligible students heading into math, science, engineering, or medicine-related fields. The fund has granted scholarships since 1949 and has awarded more than $60 million in total, a record that signals sustained commitment to students in the region.

The Alworth Scholarship award is $28,000, up from $24,000. Eligible applicants must be high school seniors who graduate from a high school or approved home school curriculum in a 10-county region of northeastern Minnesota, with a January 15, 2027 application deadline.

The players

Alworth Memorial Fund

A Minnesota scholarship provider that has funded awards since 1949 for students in northeastern Minnesota.

Sara Niemi

A nonprofit leader with more than 20 years of experience who has worked at Duluth Bethel, PAVSA, and the United Way.

The details

Students apply for the Alworth Scholarship through the fund's application portal during the open window. Eligibility depends on graduating from a high school or approved home school curriculum in the designated 10-county northeastern Minnesota region. Awards go to students entering math, science, engineering, or medicine-related fields who show high scholastic records and financial need.

1949: The Alworth Memorial Fund began granting scholarships.
2025 scholarship award year: the fund's cumulative awards passed $60 million.
November 4, 2026: Sara Niemi joined the board and the scholarship application opened.
January 15, 2027: The scholarship application deadline.

Education Landscape

Regional scholarship funds such as the Alworth Memorial Fund play a role in helping students in specific Minnesota counties access higher education. The fund's growth past $60 million in total awards reflects long-running private support for students in fields where graduates are in demand.

High school seniors in the 10-county northeastern Minnesota region who plan to study math, science, engineering, or medicine-related fields should review the eligibility requirements. Applications close January 15, 2027, and the scholarship is now $28,000, so it is worth confirming details with your school counselor or the fund directly.

The takeaway

The larger $28,000 award and the January 15, 2027 deadline make this a timely opportunity for eligible northeastern Minnesota seniors. Check the eligibility rules and mark the deadline now so application materials are ready on time.