Robert B. and Sophia Whiteside Scholarship

Each year, Boreal Waters awards more than $800,000 in scholarships to support students across northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin. Made possible by the generosity of individuals, families, and organizations, these scholarships help learners of all ages pursue education, unlock opportunity, and give back to their communities.

Whether you're planning for college, technical school, or another form of post-secondary education, we want to help you take the next step. Use the search tool to explore scholarships that match your background, interests, and where you live.

Most of our scholarships are available through our universal application which will open in December 2025 and close February 24, 2026.

Application Timeline

Applications Open: December 1, 2025

Application Deadline: February 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Notification of Awards: Scholarship recipients will be notified by email no later than May 1, 2026

Scholarship Payments Sent to Schools

Fall semester: by July 30, 2026

Spring semester: by December 30, 2026

Submitting Your Application

1. Access Our Scholarship Portal: The portal opens on December 1, 2025.
2. Create Your Profile: If you’re a new user, set up your profile. If you’ve applied before, you can log in with your existing account.
3. Complete The Eligibility Quiz: This short quiz helps us match you with the scholarships you're eligible for, based on your background and plans.
4. Fill Out the Universal Application: Submit one general application. Some scholarships may prompt a few additional questions depending on their criteria.
5. Submit & Check Back: Applications are due by February 2026 at 11:59 p.m. You can track your status and updates in the portal.