Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarships

The Minnesota Association of Townships (MAT) is awarding $2,000 scholarships to up to five juniors currently attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial high school, or a home study program, that plan to further their education at a college, university, or vocational school.

Applicants must complete an application form and submit it along with a written essay using critical thinking discussing this year’s topic on Promoting Township Government. The question is:

Throughout its history the United States has adopted policies which took advantage of major technological advances that led to prosperity as a nation. In the 19th century it was the development of canals and a national railroad system. In the 20th century it was rural electrification and the national highway system. In the 20th century it was rural electrification and the national highway system. Today, high speed broadband Internet access is as vital as phones, electricity, and roads. Those without this access, particularly people in rural areas, are left stranded on the wrong side of the digital divide. Describe ways in which broadband Internet access improves the lives of rural residents. What challenges exist in providing broadband Internet in rural areas? And what policies should governments at all levels, (federal, state, and local) adopt to ensure that regardless of geographic location all Americans have equal access to broadband Internet?

Essays must be between 450 and 500 words, typed and double-spaced.

• Applicants should not name themselves, their school, their town or city, or their local officials in or on the essay.
• Each essay will be judged by an independent panel based upon originality, knowledge of subject matter, and supporting statements, as well as correct spelling and punctuation.
• Applicants must be a high school junior to apply.

Along with the completed application and written essay, students must submit:

• A current high school transcript
• A letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or counselor
• All items must be submitted in one envelope postmarked by June 1, 2024, and mailed to:

Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Program, P.O. Box 267, St. Michael, MN 55376,

Incomplete applications or applications postmarked after June 1st, will not be accepted.

Winners will be notified in writing in September 2024 and will be invited to attend the MAT annual conference in

December 2024 in St. Cloud, MN. Scholarship awards will be paid to the appropriate financial aid office upon receipt of verification of enrollment at a college, university, or technical school.

ELIGIBILITY

All students currently enrolled in the 11th grade and attending a Minnesota public, private, or parochial high school or a home study program and who plan to further their education at a college, university, or vocational school are eligible for this program. Student cannot be the child, stepchild, grandchild or step-grandchild, brother, stepbrother, sister or stepsister of a MAT director or staff member.

SUBMISSION REQUIREMENTS

• An application form
• A written essay, using critical thinking discussing this year's topic
• A current high school transcript
• A letter of recommendation from a high school teacher or counselor

Note: All items must be submitted in one envelope and mailed to:

Minnesota Association of Townships Scholarship Program
P.O. Box 267
St. Michael, MN  55376

Must be postmarked by June 1. Incomplete applications or applications postmarked after June 1 will not be accepted.

ESSAY REQUIREMENTS

• Must be between 450-500 words
• Typed with double spacing
• Use critical thinking discussing this year's topic
• Do not name yourself, school, town/city, or local officials in the essay