Riverland Community College Foundation’s 150 x 2015 Scholarship Campaign is making headway and clearing the way for many more students to achieve their dream of a higher education and get a jumpstart to a new career.

The Foundation embarked on a special project July 1, 2012 to increase the number of scholarship funds available that support Riverland students on their quest for an education. When the campaign began, the Riverland Foundation had 90 sponsored scholarships with a goal to have 150 sponsored scholarships available for students by the end of 2015.

“After 18 months of the campaign, the results have been amazing,” said Steve Bowron, Riverland’s dean for institutional advancement. “Local individuals, organizations and businesses have stepped up to the challenge and provided 38 new scholarships for Riverland students, the most recent being the ABC News 6/KAAL TV Scholarship awarded this semester.”

Bowron added, “We are proud to have so many generous and dedicated people in our communities partner with the Riverland Community College Foundation to share their resources with our students so they can attend Riverland classes and move a step closer toward their chosen education and careers.”

The following new scholarships have allowed the Riverland Foundation to provide more than $45,000 of additional funds each year making college more affordable for local students:

• ABC News 6/KAAL TV Scholarship
• Academic and Student Affairs Scholarship
• Albert Lea Clover Leaf Lions Club Scholarship
• Albert Lea Elks (Does) Scholarship
• Albert Lea Gala Endowment Scholarship-Presidential
• Albert Lea-Freeborn County Chamber-Ambassador Scholarship
• Cargill Value Added Meats Retail Scholarship
• Dan Ruble Memorial Scholarship
• Diann and Gene Pflaum Endowed Scholarship
• Dick & Belita Schindler Carpentry Program Endowed Scholarship
• Minerich Presidential Endowed Scholarship
• Duane and Pam Germain Allied Health Scholarship
• Female Veteran Crisis Emergency Grant
• Hope Scholarship
• Horizon Endowed Scholarship
• IBI Data Scholarship
• Jake Moe Memorial Scholarship
• Jan & Jack Waller Collegiate Award Scholarship
• Jim Flannery Memorial Scholarship
• John R. Bolstad Scholarship
• Luke Unverzagt Electricians Scholarship
• Maria & Jeremy Wedel Family Scholarship
• Marijo Alexander Administrative Support Scholarship
• Mayberry Law Enforcement Scholarship
• Mayo Clinic Health System-Austin Scholarship
• IME Becas Mexican Consulate Scholarship
• Minnesota Trucking Association
• Moving On Memorial Truck driving Scholarship
• Moving On Memorial Diesel Technology Scholarship
• PEO Chapter AQ Wanda Wilson Memorial Nursing Scholarship
• Peterson Family Memorial Scholarship
• Ralph Peterson Endowed Scholarship
• Re-Fest Ride Wind Turbine Technician Scholarship
• Rochester Area Builders, Inc. Commercial Builders Council Scholarship
• Sherwood P. Boyer Health Science Scholarship
• Crisis-Emergency Fund Grant
• Vicky Braaten Quality Pork Processors Memorial Scholarship
• Viola Besse Scholarship

“Even though the Riverland Foundation distributes more than 400 scholarship awards annually, we are still turning away more than 100 eligible, deserving students because we lack the funds to help them,” Bowron said. “The Riverland Community College Foundation welcomes new scholarship sponsors for our students.”

If you, your organization or your business would be interested in sponsoring a scholarship, please contact the Riverland Community College Foundation at 507-433-0630 to talk with a representative. “Let’s all work together to help Build Hope, Create Dreams, and Change Lives!”

The Riverland Community College Foundation raises, manages, and distributes resources to support, enhance and promote the educational opportunities Riverland Community College offers the people of the region. Because achieving dreams of a better life may be financially challenging, the Riverland Community College Foundation is committed to raising funds for scholarships. The Riverland Community College Foundation is a charitable organization under section 501(c)(3) and is funded by local donors. Contributions to the Riverland Community College Foundation are fully tax-deductible.