Scholarships

The Foundation administers a variety of scholarships using funds contributed by friends of the Foundation. The scholarships range in size from very modest to quite substantial. Some supporting contributions are one-time gifts, while others recur from year to year. In addition to the restricted contributions designated for scholarships, the Foundation sometimes draws on its general funds to support scholarships.

As shown on page 3 of the 2021 Annual Report, the scholarships are a major item in terms of support for South High students.

Here are the 2021 scholarship recipients.

Judy Ayers ’66, Scholarship Committee Chair explains:

"South Seniors Plan for Future
This year was another year of juggling plans for post-secondary education. Would vocational technical institutions, community colleges and universities begin offering in-person classes for the fall of 2021?

South seniors were not deterred, they went ahead with plans and applied to schools and scholarships offered through the Foundation. Value for the scholarships ranged from $500 to $40,000. This year 19 scholarships, worth $99,500, were awarded to 24 students (some scholarships fund two students).

Some of the scholarship funds are generated from legacy gifts but the majority are from donors; people just like you who want to help with the post-secondary costs for the graduates from South.

The Scholarship Committee and the South High Foundation thank all of the donors who have made this possible! Because of the pandemic restrictions, we were once again unable to honor these scholarship recipients with a reception but we wish them the best, and all South graduates, in their future endeavors!"

Here's a short video from South High grad Madeleine Pemberton, recipient of a Faith Finnberg scholarship.

... and another by graduate Mose McLain, recipient of First Generation scholarship.

Varieties of scholarships

Many of contributions are simply for scholarships in general. Other scholarship contributions have a quite specific target audience. For example, in some cases the money can only be used for a scholarship for a student planning on going into teaching. Others have different degrees of restriction - perhaps only for a specific institution. In many cases, the money simply goes to promising students who need a hand. In addition, a portion of the scholarships are for technical programs, while others are for four-year schools. Some are even renewable, based on the recipient making reasonable progress.

How the Foundation awards the scholarships

The graduates who receive scholarships are selected by the Foundation's Scholarship Committee and the counselors at the school. (The Board does not formally approve the award of the the scholarships - that power has been given to the Scholarships Committee.) The committee reviews scholarship applications from graduating seniors, matching their qualifications against donor- and committee-defined criteria.  The South High Counselors are advisors to this committee.  Students are directed to establish contact with donors.  Selections are made in the Spring of the year followed by a reception for student-scholars and donors.  The committee verifies ongoing eligibility with students who receive multiple year grants.

For more information about contributing toward a scholarship, you can send an email to the Scholarship Committee Chair or send a letter to

South High Foundation
ATTN: Scholarships
3131 19th Ave S
Minneapolis MN 55407