203 Graduates From 11 School Districts Receive Tuition-Free Scholarships

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.

“Our partnership with the Frandsen Foundation is an excellent way for us to support local students and the future of the communities we serve,” said Rich Hoban, Frandsen Foundation’s chairman of the board.

The tuition-free scholarships are the legacy of Frandsen Bank Owner Dennis Frandsen. What began as an offer to the graduating class of Rush City High School in 2018 has grown to include Ada-Borup-West, Braham, Clinton-Graceville-Beardsley, Ely Memorial, Pine City, Rush City, Warren-Alvarado-Oslo, and Waterville-Elysian-Morristown in Minnesota, plus Frederic and Luck in Wisconsin.

This year, the program expanded to include Milbank, South Dakota, bringing the total number of participating school districts to 11.

“We don’t ask for qualifications,” said Dennis Frandsen, owner of Frandsen Bank. “A student could be wonderful at fixing cars or taking care of sick people, for example, but might not be good at academics. Most of those students never get the traditional scholarships. I decided they ought to have an option of going to trade school and learn a trade they will excel at.”

Over the past eight years, the scholarship program has helped 1,138 students pursue skilled trades and meaningful careers.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must graduate from one of the foundation’s designated high schools, complete the FAFSA, and enroll in a non-associate of arts program at a pre-approved technical or community college. Home-schooled graduates living in eligible school districts are also encouraged to apply.

The tuition-free scholarship reflects the foundation and bank's ongoing commitment to investing in education, creating opportunities, and supporting long-term community growth.