Blandin Foundation Scholarship Program Aims to Build Strong Future Rural Workforce, Applications Now Open

GRAND RAPIDS, Minn. (Jan 20, 2026) – Applications for Blandin Foundation scholarships are being accepted until March 1, 2026.

The scholarships provide Itasca area students with $1,000 to $6,000 or more per student for the 2026-2027 school year. Students may reapply each year, until they are age 25 or have earned a bachelor’s degree.

Students can use the scholarships for a wide range of educational options. Blandin Foundation scholarships help fund costs for certificate programs, trade schools or 2 or 4 year colleges anywhere in the U.S.

The Foundation is allocating $1.8 million — the largest scholarship funding pool in Foundation history – bringing the Foundation’s cumulative amount of funds awarded to over $30 million and over 18,000 awards given since the launch of the program. These awards have been used to serve Itasca-area students as part of the Foundation’s strategy to help Itasca area communities build a strong future workforce; this strategic emphasis aligns with the Foundation’s focus on community-wealth building, in the Itasca County area.

Eligibility Information and the online-only application are posted to the Foundation’s website: http://blandinfoundation.org/scholarships.  Call 218-326-0523, or 1-877-882-2257, or email scholarships@blandinfoundation.org with questions. Application deadline is March 1, 2026. Scholarships will be awarded May 2026.