Scholarships
Students fill out just one general application and will be in the running for over 100 BPSF scholarship awards. Each BPSF hosted scholarship description is listed in our online platform, Academic Works. Once the application cycle closes, our review crew gets to work. Each application is reviewed and scored as part of a blind review process. The reviewers do NOT have access to the student’s personal information. (name, address, email, etc) The reviewers score the essays based on a pre-determined rubric. Points are also awarded for participation in extracurriculars, volunteerism, work experience, GPA, intensive/AP type courses, athletics, music and more! Scholarships are reviewed at least three times by separate reviewers. (Email jessica.bpsf@gmail.com if you are interested in being part of the review crew. Parents of seniors are not eligible to review.)
The Process:
The 2026 BHS General Scholarship Application will be available December 15th. Deadline to apply is March 17th! Students will be notified by April 23rd of their award status.
More process details and some frequently asked questions can be found here:
TIPS: It is recommended that students do their best work, paying attention to spelling, grammar, and complete sentences. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE. It is also recommended that the students have a trusted adult or school counselor support them and review their application before the final deadline of March 17, 2026!
The BPSF Scholarship application will open on December 15th. CLICK HERE TO REVIEW BPSF SCHOLARSHIP OFFERINGS AND APPLY.
Please note, there are MANY other community and national scholarship offerings that have their own application, deadlines, and selection process. Visit the BHS Student Success Center for more information.
In May of each year, BPSF works closely with BHS to put together Scholarship Recognition Night where students are awarded scholarship from BPSF, the community, and the military. The 2026 Scholarship awards night will be on Wednesday, May 20th. CLICK HERE to watch the 2025 Scholarship Recognition live stream.
Scholarship Recognition Night
AFTER your first semester of college is complete (grades are posted) you can submit your request for payment digitally. You will need:
Your college Financial Aid Office’s mailing address
Student ID number
Unofficial transcript showing end of semester posted grades with your name printed as part of the document
Click here to request your scholarship award payment https://forms.gle/CySknpt9Mp2Dk4rP6
**Please mail a thank-you note directly to the scholarship donor within 30 days.** Donor thank you information will be found in your scholarship award packet.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT? If the required information is received by the BPSF office before January 5th, your scholarship check will be mailed directly to your college’s financial aid office in mid-January. Requests received after January 5th will not be processed or mailed out until after our February board meeting. BPSF only cuts checks once per month.
If you have questions, please call BPSF at 218.454.6921 or email info@bpsf.org
How do I claim my scholarship award?
Scholarship donors are generous and caring people who unselfishly give to support the educational endeavors of students like you. They typically ask for nothing in return, but receiving a well written thank you letter or note from a student is always special and lets the donor know that his or her scholarship was greatly appreciated. Your letter reminds them why they gave in the first place and often help secure continuing gifts for future students. You are an important part of the Brainerd Warrior Family, and the literacy demonstrated in your letter is a reflection on all of us.
A Step-By-Step Guide on writing a thank you note:
Greet the Donor: Write to the donor or organization, not BPSF. The donor’s name is listed in your red ‘DO NOT LOSE THIS FORM” form.
Express Your Gratitude:
– Write sincerely with an active voice.
– Mention the scholarship by name.
– Do not directly mention money or request additional financial support.
Examples: “Thank you so much for your generosity.” “It is an honor to be chosen for the XYZ Scholarship.”
Demonstrate the Impact: Share how attending your post secondary education school will impact your future and what you look forward to most. Examples: Why you chose that particular school. Your course of study. Community service activities you plan to take part in. Example: “Upon completion of my studies I plan to pursue a career in teaching.”
Grace…Thank Again: “Thanks again for your generous gift.” “Thanks again. I appreciate the scholarship assistance.”
Signing Off: “Sincerely,” “Warm Regards,” “Yours Truly,” “With Sincere
Thanks,” etc.
Thank Your Donor
You, your family, or your group, can create a scholarship fund with a permanent endowment creation (minimum of $6,250) or with a flow-through donation (annual contribution). Contact BPSF’s Executive Director, Jessica Gangl, at 218-454-6923 or email her by clicking here for more information.
Create a Scholarship Fund
Thank you for supporting Brainerd Public Schools students through offering a community/external scholarship. Please share the details of your stand-alone scholarship and the winner(s) of your award(s) if you would like to participate in our Scholarship Recognition Night in May 2026. DEADLINE TO REPORT WINNER(S) TO BPSF is Friday, April 17th in order for your winner to be included in our recognition booklet/event. Late entries will not be accepted. Please CLICK here to submit an entry.
(non-BPSF funders)
Stand-Alone Scholarships
Visit the Student Success Center at BHS to find out all you need to know! External scholarship offerings are also found here.
Lynnae Haines
Brainerd High School
702 South 5th Street
Brainerd, MN 56401
lynnae.haines@isd181.org
218-454-6330