Career Investment Scholarships
As the non-profit arm of the largest local chamber in Minnesota, the Foundation is uniquely positioned to bring business leaders together to build a competent, educated workforce. A high-quality workforce is the key to remaining globally competive in the new economy.
Students: Click here to apply for the 2010 Career Investment Dollars for Scholars Scholarship and print off two copies and submit all supporting documents NO LATER than March 18, 2010.
What can Chamber members do?
• Be a Business Sponsor at the “Named Donor” level for a Career Investment Scholarship to a deserving, well-qualified, local high school graduating senior. Cost for one schoalrship is $1,250. The student can be one of your future employees through this connection
• Consider a personal donation of any amount to the Foundation
• Distribute information about the scholarship application available for 2010 to your employees – their children may be eligible!
Why do we need to be concerned?
• Socioeconomic trends, an aging workforce and global competition have significantly increased the need for a college-educated population. Meanwhile, strong educational and community pathways for every student to achieve higher education success are lacking. – Minnesota College Access Network
• The college participation gap in Minnesota is large and growing. Over 50 percent of students of color fail to graduate from high school in four years. Out of 100 ninth-grade high school students of color right now, only 3 percent of American Indian students, 5 percent of Hispanic students, and 3 percent of Black students will get a bachelor's degree in Minnesota within 10 years. -- Citizens League's report, "Trouble on the Horizon"
The following excerpt from a letter sent to us in 2007 sums up the influence we have on lives:
“I feel that I am part of something I care about and something that influences and encourages me to perform and be the best I can be. Though, without you, I would have never been in this position that has not only changed my life, but the life of those most close to me. Thank you for believing in me and granting me your assistance to go to Augsburg College.” - Juventino Rodriquez, 2007 American Bank Career Investment Scholarship winner.