Thanks to the generosity of Federated Insurance and the Federated Challenge, we are offering a scholarship for current and former Littles and High School Bigs to attend a non-four-year education that focuses on obtaining an apprenticeship, certificate or associate’s degree.
This scholarship, for $5,000 per year, is for students to attend a non-four-year education or training program at an accredited Minnesota postsecondary school that focuses on obtaining an apprenticeship, certificate, or associate’s degree. Funds may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other necessary expenses related to the particular program or training (e.g. tools, materials, cookware, etc.). Awards amount is $5,000, and will be disbursed once at the beginning of the school year you are applying for (August). If you would like the scholarship evenly distributed between the 2 semesters you must follow up directly with your institution.
Eligibility
Applicants to the Federated Challenge Scholarship must:
- Be a current or past Little Brother or Little Sister or High School Big Brother or Big Sister for a minimum period of 18 months prior to anticipated graduation date
- Have been matched through one of the Minnesota Big Brothers Big Sisters agencies: BBBS Twin Cities, BBBS of Central MN, or BBBS of Southern MN
- Be a U.S. citizen or have permanent resident status
- Have attained a high school diploma or GED (or will have graduated prior to the fall 2027 term)
- Be enrolled or plan to enroll part-time or full-time in a non-four-year program at a trade, technical or community college, or another accredited Minnesota postsecondary school to obtain an apprenticeship, certificate, or associate’s degree
- Have a minimum grade point average of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (or its equivalent)
Award
A scholarship of $5,000 will be awarded for one year of education after high school. Students have the opportunity to annually renew, for a maximum of two awards. The award will be paid to the educational institution on behalf of the student. Scholarship funds must be requested within.
If a gap year is to be utilized, scholars must submit the appropriate written form to the Scholarship Coordinator. Scholarship must be used within two years of award.
Award recipients will be required to:
- Turn in all paperwork as requested by BBBS
- Turn in the scholarship acceptance form by the requested deadline
- Attend End of Year Match Celebration in May 2027
- If possible, attend the Federated Challenge Gala in July 2027. Official date, TBD.
- Attend the Federated Scholarship Information Session.
Application materials required:
- Submit this online application by Friday, March 19th, 2027 at 11:59 PM: Make sure you read through the whole page before starting.
- Unofficial High School or College Transcript
- At least two Letters of Recommendation (this can be from a teacher or counselor, your Big, an employer or a community member such as a coach, mentor, faith leader, etc.). You are welcome to submit more than one as well.
- (Submit later at the end of December) Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) confirmation email: Specifically, the document regarding the expected family contribution (EFC.) Please connect with the College and Future Readiness Coordinators at your agency directly if you are unsure of how to obtain this document.