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Frandsen Foundation Scholarship
A Tuition-Free Start
Together with Frandsen Bank & Trust, the Frandsen Foundation provides two years of tuition-free technical or community college to graduates of select schools.
Investing in Education. Empowering Futures
Through the Frandsen Foundation, founder Dennis Frandsen supports the next generation by providing full, two-year technical or community college scholarships. Since 2018, this initiative has helped more than 935 students pursue skilled trades and meaningful careers, strengthening communities for years to come.
How To Qualify
Graduate from a Qualifying High School
Graduates from one of the following Frandsen Bank & Trust community schools are currently eligible: Ada-Borup-West, Braham, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, Ely Memorial, Frederic, Luck, Milbank, Pine City, Rush City, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo, or Waterville-Elysian-Morristown.
Home-schooled graduates within the school districts above are also eligible.
Enroll in a Qualifying Program
Students must be enrolled in a non-associate of arts program at a pre-approved technical or community college. Students must be full-time and earn a minimum of 12 credit hours per semester.
Apply for Federal Aid
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form at fafsa.gov. The scholarship will cover any remaining tuition and fees after financial aid is applied.
Start Your Application
Download and complete the application form, and return it to your school advisor or your local Frandsen Bank & Trust. Don't have a printer? Applications are also available at qualifying high schools and community banks.
Current Frandsen Scholars
Scholarship Fulfillment Checklist
Scholarship funds will be distributed directly to the academic institution. The scholarship coordinator will communicate regularly with you throughout the summer. Please watch your email, and download the checklist for additional information to be prepared.
Community Excellence Scholarship
Frandsen Bank & Trust also awards $1,000 scholarships to 30 students each spring through the Orlo Balcer Memorial Scholarship. Recipients demonstrate their shared commitment to community through a short essay. Applications for the next acadmic year open each fall.
Meet the Frandsen Foundation Scholars
Together with the Frandsen Foundation, Frandsen Bank & Trust is providing two years of tuition-free technical or community college to 203 high school graduates this year.
Frandsen Bank & Trust is proud to announce the 2026 class of Orlo A. Balcer Memorial Scholarship recipients.
Frandsen Foundation scholarship program reaches $1.5 million milestone and expands to new communities.
Congratulations to our 2025 Orlo A. Balcer Memorial Scholarship Recipients! We're proud to invest in the future of our communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
From qualification to fulfillment, here are a few extra insights.
How do I know if my post-secondary program is covered?
Eligible colleges generally include any school inside Minn., Wis., South Dakota, and Iowa. Schools outside these states may qualify, but must be approved by the scholarship administrator.
Is the scholarship available for more than one year?
Scholarship eligibility and continuation depend on meeting program requirements and maintaining enrollment in an approved program. Students should review renewal criteria as part of the fulfillment process.
Do students need to demonstrate financial need?
No. The Frandsen Foundation Scholarship is not based on financial need, academic performance, or traditional merit criteria. The program is designed to provide equal access to education for all graduating seniors in eligible communities.
What does the Frandsen Foundation scholarship cover?
The scholarship typically covers up to two years of full tuition at an approved technical or community college, after other grants and financial aid are applied. Tuition and fees at for-profit schools (example Wyoming Technical Institute, Dunwoody, or Josef’s Hair Design) will be capped at $5,000 per academic year.
Contact Us
For additional program information or questions about scholarship fulfillment, contact us here.
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