Scholarships

Essentia Health foundations and auxiliaries offer scholarships to deserving high school and college students. If you're a student pursuing a career in health care, see if there's a scholarship you qualify to apply for.

Auxiliary Scholarships - Duluth Superior Area

Get help paying for your college education. If you’re a student living in or around Duluth, Minnesota, or Superior, Wisconsin, you may be eligible for one of many scholarships.

Money for Graduating High School Seniors & College Students in Duluth Area

The Miller Dwan Auxiliary awards scholarships of $2,000 to students pursuing a health care career. This includes local college students and graduates of:

• Denfeld High School
• East High School
• Harbor City High Schools
• Hermantown High School
• Proctor High School

Money for College Students in Superior Area

Essentia Health St. Mary’s Hospital-Superior Auxiliary awards scholarships of $500 to $1000 to students pursuing careers in health care. Students must be entering their second year (or higher) of college or a technical program in a health-related field. They must also be a resident of Douglas County.

Money for Students at Specific Duluth Area Colleges

The St. Mary’s Medical Center Duluth Auxiliary awards health care students scholarships for:

• Lake Superior College – Scholarships of $1500 each for students pursuing a diploma or an associate degree in Health Science programs
• College of St. Scholastica – Scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing a bachelor's degree (or higher) in Health Science programs
• University of Minnesota Duluth – Scholarships of $4000 each for students in their second year at the UMD Medical School

Scholarship Criteria

Basic criteria for selection for all scholarships are:

• Academic excellence
• High character
• Demonstrated leadership

Applicants are also reviewed with an emphasis on past and current volunteer activities. Consideration is also given to demonstrated financial need, academic record, and commitment to caring for the sick and injured.

How to Apply

Applications are usually accepted January to March each year. Call 218-786-4420 or email volunteerservices@essentiahealth.org with questions. Or, fill out an application during the acceptance period.

Sister Anne Scholarship - Detroit Lakes

Get help paying for your college education. If you’re a student living in or around Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, you may be eligible for one of four Sister Anne Scholarships.

Money for Health Care Students

Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Foundation started the Sister Anne Scholarship to support undergraduate students pursuing a clinical health care career. Clinical health care careers involve caring directly for patients. Examples of clinical jobs include doctor, nurse, physical therapist, and imaging technician.

If you’re awarded the Sister Anne Scholarship, you’ll receive a one-time gift of $500 for tuition, books, supplies, and/or fees.

Scholarship Eligibility

You’re eligible to apply for the Sister Anne Scholarship if you:

• Have a high school diploma or equivalent by the application deadline
• Are pursuing a clinical career
• Live in the area served by Essentia Health St. Mary’s-Detroit Lakes
• Enroll in your educational program by fall semester of the year you receive the award

Scholarship Criteria

Each year, up to four scholarship recipients are selected by a committee that considers:

• Academic achievement
• Education and career goals
• Extracurricular activities
• Financial need
• Leadership
• Work experience

Scholarships are awarded without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, disability, or national origin.

How to Apply

Submit the following no later than June 15:

• Sister Anne Scholarship Program Application [PDF]
• Essay describing your education and career goals
• Two letters of recommendation

Send all materials to:

Essentia Health-St. Mary’s Foundation
1027 Washington Ave.
Detroit Lakes, MN 56501.

Scholarships are awarded on or before August 15.